Foul Jester's Canned Thoughts

Good Friday Pilgrimage… Literally

2011-04-22T19:34:00.007+08:00

I always found Good Friday as the most uneventful day of the year. I usually just spend it at home watching movies like The Ten Commandments, or The Sound of Music, or Fiddler on the Roof, or watch a marathon of TV series like Seventh Heaven, or practically just anything I can get my hands on.

However, today was different. I was already watching different shows since yesterday (Maundy Thursday) so watching even more shows today was just too much. And I found watching re-runs, for the past 30 plus years of my life, getting old, in the real sense of the word. I did something really different; something I have never done before. I gave the word Pilgrimage a whole new light; walked to different churches as my stamina and time permits.

First stop was Sta. Cruz Parish at Sta. Cruz, Manila. I didn't walk to get there. Walking to my first destination was not part of the plan. Besides, I wasn't really planning on going to Sta. Cruz Parish in the first place. It so happened that it was the first church that I saw.

After Sta. Cruz, I walked around thinking of which church to go to next. I was at walking around aimlessly for at least 30 minutes until I realized that the closest church is Quiapo Church. That took me a while. So I walked back to Avenida and decided to take a shortcut. I wasn't familiar with the area but I took a seemingly logical shortcut to Quiapo. Turns out, the end of the street was indeed Quiapo Church. Second stop, Quiapo Church.

There were a lot of people at Quiapo Church. Only when I was heading back home did I realize that Friday is usually the day when devotees visit Quiapo Church. Hence Friday being called Quiapo Day. (And Wednesday being called Baclaran Day but, I didn't have the strength left in me to walk to Baclaran after my last stop.)

After Quiapo, I walked to Recto via Quezon Avenue and continued on until I reached UST (University of Sto. Tomas). I was pretty much walking aimlessly again and I was probably walking for a couple of hours by then. I took a left at Lacson Avenue (at least I think It was called Lacson Ave.) and walked straight until I reached a junction. I decided not to take either the left (to Cubao) or right (to Malacanang). I continued straight to Mabini Bridge (formerly Nagtahan Bridge). At the end of the bridge was another junction. Again I decided to go straight to Quirino Ave. But when I took a look around, I saw a cross from a distance. A church. So I decided to go to that church. I turned left. Third stop, St. Joseph Parish, Pandacan, Manila.

After Pandacan, I walked back to the junction and walked on to my original plan, straight to Quirino Ave. I never realized how long Quirino Avenue was. I walked on and on until I actually reached Makati. By then I was already getting tired. My legs were sore. My feet were killing me. I already lost count on how many bottles of water I drank (500 ml each). I decided to at least get to one more church before I call it a day. A friend told me that there is one at Greenbelt. So off to Greenbelt.

From Cash & Carry (another junction), I turned left and walked to Ayala, towards Greenbelt. I noticed that Makati seems so deserted on a Good Friday. It is completely the opposite on ordinary days. The place felt like one gigantic ghost town with high rise buildings. Kindda like a plague fell upon it and everyone left. Looking for that church was like finding a needle in a haystack and you don't know what a needle looks like. By the time I found the place, it wasn't a really a church with a big giant archway and a cross sticking out of its bell tower. It was a small chapel. I was looking for a small chapel smack dab in the middle of high rise buildings. You can just imagine how relieved I was when I finally found it. My last stop for the day, Greenbelt Chapel.

I took the bus back home. I wasn't about to walk back home because it was already pretty late. I walked for six and a half hours to four different churches. And I probably consumed at least three litters of water. Like I said, a new light on the word Pilgrimage.

Will I do it again next year? Probably. If I do, I'll do so in a different area.

EDSA Bus Stops - Northbound

2011-03-20T08:52:00.003+08:00

This is a guide to the Northbound bus routes. Please take note that most of the buses enter EDSA from Baclaran through Pasay. There are, however, buses that take a U-turn (loop) at Mall of Asia. Buses from SLEX (South Luzon Express Way), and Alabang enter EDSA at Mantrade. Also, take note that provincial buses have different bus stops and most of them are different from city buses.

Pasay Rotonda, Mantrade, Piltranco (Cabrera), Buendia, Ayala (EDSA), Pasay Road, Guadalupe, Boni, Crossing, Shaw, Mega Mall. (Practically from South EDSA all the way to Crossing, just before Ortigas) All buses pass through all these places (considering of course the above mentioned). Make sure to ask the driver or conductor if the bus would take any express lanes along the way. Some of them tend to take those lanes in times of traffic jams.

Ortigas (Specifically Robinsons Galleria). Take a bus that has a sign board that says ORTIGAS ILALIM. Most Air-conditioned buses stop at Robinsons. Avoid buses that have a sign board that say ORTIGAS IBABAW or non-air-conditioned buses. All non-air-conditioned buses get on the Ortigas overpass.

Santolan (Cubao), Camp Crame. You can take any bus to this area.

Farmers (Cubao). Take a bus that has a sign board that says CUBAO IBABAW. Avoid buses with sign boards that say CUBAO FAST LANE lest you get off at the next bus stop which is quite a distance but is still in Cubao.

Cubao (Baliwag, Five Star, Q-Mart). You can take any bus to this area.

Kamias Bus Stations (Victory Kamias, Jac Liner), Timog Ave., and other areas that are no longer along EDSA such as SSS main, and SM Fairview. Take a bus with a sign board that says SM FAIRVIEW, TUGNKO. Avoid all other buses.

GMA, NIA, Trinoma, Paramount, SM North, Munoz. Take a bus with a sign board that says UE LETRE, MALANDAY, NOVALICHES, MONUMENTO, GARDEN. Avoid buses that go to SM FAIRVIEW, TUNGKO.

Novaliches. Take a bus with a sign board that says NOVALICHES. Avoid all other buses.

Royal, Oliveros, Balintawak. Take a bus with a sign board that says UE LETRE, MALANDAY, MONUMENTO, GARDEN. Avoid buses with sign boards that say SM FAIRVIEW, TUNGKO, NOVALICHES.

Garden (Bulacan). Take a bus with a sign board that says GARDEN. Avoid all other buses.

Bagong Barrio, Monumento. Take a bus with a sign board that says UE LETRE, MALANDAY, MONUMENTO. Avoid buses with sign boards of SM FAIRVIEW, TUNGKO, NOVALICHES, GARDEN.

Other areas beyond Monumento such as Malanday and Letre. Take the respective bus routes of MALANDAY and UE LETRE and avoid all other buses. Malanday routes sometimes gets as far as BBB, Karuhatan, I's Bangkal, all the way to Valenzuela. UE Letre bus route includes Sangangdaan.

Provincial bus stops along EDSA are: Pasay Rotonda (sometimes), Mantrade, Ortigas (Galleria), Cubao (Kamias), Trinoma, Balintawak.

Again. Please feel free to comment on any corrections or additions.

Yuroshiku ne. ^_^

EDSA Bus Stops - Southbound

2011-03-15T05:30:00.003+08:00

If you've been living in Metro Manila, you probably know all about what's written here. Probably. Some, no matter how long they've been living in the Metro, seem to forget which bus to take. So I guess, this small guide can be of use to you. Of course, it will most likely be limited to EDSA (but not entirely).

EDSA starts from the Monumento area (North) to Mall of Asia area (South). Northbound routes are different from Southbound routes especially along Makati Area and Cubao Area.

Let's start with the Southbound route (starting from Monumento). Please do take note that buses from Bulacan enter EDSA at Balintawak, buses from Novaliches enter EDSA at Munoz, and buses from Fairview enter EDSA at Timog Ave. Also bus stops of Provincial buses have different sets of bus stops before they end at their respective bus stations.:

Balintawak, Munoz, SM North, Trinoma, MRT North Ave Station, Quezon Ave, Centris. You can practically take any Southbound bus to these places (or any place that these places happen to be the landmarks). All of them pass by these places.

GMA Kamuning, Timog Ave, Victory Kamias, JAC Liner Cubao (and the other bus stations found at Kamias). Like the above places, you can take any bus. However, you have to get of either before or after the bus gets onto the overpass (fly-over). You can also ask the conductor (or driver) if the bus is not going on the overpass. It would be more convenient for you if it doesn't. (But most of the time, it does.)

Cubao Area (Q-Mart, Aurora, Farmers, Tuazon), Gate 5. Again, any southbound bus is okay.

Camp Crame. Just like Kamuning area, ask the conductor for your convenience (overpass issue).

Ortigas (Robinsons Galleria, going to Greenhills). Get on a bus with a sign board that says ORTIGAS ILALIM. Avoid getting on buses that say ORTIGAS IBABAW (most provincial buses are). Also, avoid getting on non-air conditioned buses. These buses all go onto the overpass. In case you got on a bus that goes onto the overpass, you can alight at the Ortigas MRT station and walk back. Exercise.

Mega Mall, Crossing, Shaw, Boni, Guadalupe (Tulay). Again, any southbound bus.

Makati / Ayala area. Get on a bus with a sign board that says AYALA LRT. These buses go inside the Makati / Ayala area. They don't re-enter EDSA until they go back Northbound from Pasay. Also, please be aware that Makati observes very strict traffic and pedestrian rules. Avoid buses that say PASAY ROTONDA, MIA 611, MALL OF ASIA, PACITA, ALABANG.

SM Makati (EDSA) Glorietta (EDSA), Buendia, Mantrade, Pasay Rotonda, MRT Taft Station. Get on a bus with a sign board that says PASAY ROTONDA, MALL OF ASIA, MIA 611. Avoid buses that say AYALA LRT, AYALA ILALIM, PACITA, ALABANG. Be mindful of your bus stops along this area. Buses tend to skip them.

Alabang, Pacita. Get on a bus with a sign board of ALABANG, PACITA. Avoid buses that say AYALA LRT, PASAY ROTONDA, MALL OF ASIA, MIA 611, BACLARAN.

Mall of Asia. Get on a bus with a sign board that says MALL OF ASIA. Not all buses loop here. Unless the sign board says MALL OF ASIA, the bus isn't going to Mall of Asia. You can always get off the bus at Pasay Rotonda and take a Jeepney to Mall of Asia instead.

Baclaran. Get on a bus with a sign board that says BACLARAN. Most buses pass by Baclaran. This is usually their common turning point. Avoid buses that say PACITA, ALABANG.

MIA. Get on a bus with a sign board that says MIA 611. For those heading to the airport (I'm not sure which terminal but definitely not Terminal 3). Avoid buses that say AYALA LRT, PACITA, ALABANG.

Now for the Southbound Provincial Bus stops. Most of the Provincial Bus stops are situated below overpasses (or fly-over) and they are usually far from the common city bus stops.: Paramount (SM North), Quezon Ave, Timog Ave. , Guadalupe, Mantrade. Most of the bus stations along EDSA are located at Cubao and Pasay.

Most of the above info are to the best of what I know. Please to comment on corrections, changes, or additions. Next will be the Northbound route.

Shoot 'Em Up... I mean Drive Angry

2011-03-07T13:23:00.006+08:00

Drive Angry is an action movie that stars Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard (Zombieland, as 406), and William Fichtner (Prisonbreak). Visuals. There's a lot of explosions, a lot of bullets, quite a lot of blood, and some paranormal stuff. All of that in 3-D. Story. It's about a guy who escapes Hell to save his granddaughter from a Satanist. And what do you know? One of Satan's minions came after him and gave him a little hand. The story is pretty linear and left nothing for the imagination. It was a no-brainer. That's how 3-D movies are. Most of the scenes are made to make use of the 3-D technology to its maximum.

Overall. Drive Angry is just your basic shoot-em-up movie. Pretty much like Shoot 'Em Up (stars Clive Owen). It involves saving/protecting a baby. Pretty much like Shoot 'Em Up. There was a scene where the main dude was shooting bad guys while doing the deed. Pretty much like Shoot 'Em Up. It had lame-shot bad guys just like Shoot 'Em Up. The whole movie was pretty much like Shoot 'Em Up, minus the carrot, plus the god-killer. Recommendations. I'd say this was a little bit of an improvement over Cage's last movie, Season of the Witch. So yeah, Cage fans and action fans can go see this movie. It's not really for the family with all the violence, nudity, and devil worship.

Tomato Rating: Ten tomatoes.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2011

2011-02-26T22:13:00.004+08:00

Since I started with the news let me continue with more… Sports news. Though many don't consider Pro Wrestling as a sport. It's Entertainment.

The WWE Elimination Chamber Pay Per View happened last 20th of February 2011. This event is part of the Road to Wrestlemania. Below are the results and highlights of this event:

- Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston - Alberto Del Rio wins by submission

- Smack Down Elimination Chamber for World Heavyweight Championship - Participants are Kane, Drew McIntyre, Wade Barrett, Big Show, Rey Mystrio, and Edge. Big Show eliminated Wade Barrett. Kane eliminated Big Show. Kane eliminated Drew McIntyre. Edge eliminated Kane. Last two participants were Rey Mysterio and Edge. Edge gives Rey Mysterio a spear in mid-air. Thus, winning the elimination chamber match and retaining the World Heavyweight Championship.

After the match, Alberto Del Rio did a number on Edge but Christian came in to the rescue and beat down Alberto Del Rio. As retribution for himself, Edge delivered a spear to Alberto Del Rio.

- Santino Marella & Vladimir Koslov vs. Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel for WWE Tag Team Championship - Heath & Justin win via pin fall as new Champions

- The Miz vs. Jerry The King Lawler for WWE Championship - The Miz wins via pin fall retaining the WWE Championship.

- RAW Elimination Chamber - Participants are Randy Orton, John Morrison, CM Punk, John Cena, King Sheamus, and R-Truth. The initial elimination of CM Punk was revoked by the anonymous RAW General Manager. CM Punk is then reinstated in the match. King Sheamus eliminates R-Truth. CM Punk eliminates Randy Orton. John Morrison eliminates King Sheamus. CM Punk eliminates John Morrison. The last two participants were John Cena and CM Punk. John Cena wins via pin fall after delivering the Attitude Adjustment to CM Punk on the steel floor for the #1 contender slot for WWE Championship.

WWE Elimination Chamber also featured the introduction of Trish Stratus as a trainer on WWE's Tough Enough. Also, the re-hiring of Kely Kely to Smack Down.

EDSA at 25 and Prescription Condoms

2011-02-25T21:00:00.004+08:00

Today, the people of the Philippines celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolution. Twenty five years ago today, the Marcos regime was overthrown ushering in the age of democracy for the Filipino.

Being on night shift, I got off work at six this morning. When I arrived at my usual bus stop, most of EDSA-Ortigas has already been closed off. That, of course, includes my usual bus stop. That means that the preparations have started the night before.

Come afternoon (of course I was asleep most of the day), on my way to work, I was able to see at least what was left of EDSA-Ortigas after the morning activities. The same sections were still closed off from traffic. There are still quite a number of people around the ESDA Shrine and most of them were wearing yellow. I guess the celebration would continue well into the night until the day is over.

One thing is for sure. Tomorrow morning, the street cleaners will have a very busy day. There are going to be tons of garbage and refuse left along that section of EDSA.

On a lighter note.

Those who are against the Reproductive Health Bill, you may rejoice. There is a new Barangay Ordinance being enforced at Ayala, Alabang. The ordinance states that, one may not purchase a condom from any establishment without a prescription from a licensed physician. The aim of this ordinance is to stop the use of contraceptives or to limit its use.

Of course, this is just a Barangay Ordinance. So if you are from Ayala, Alabang, you can just go to Festival Mall and get your condom since it's out of the barangay's jurisdiction.

Yes, people. Sometimes I do a little news, too.

Bloody Movies

2011-02-11T19:08:00.009+08:00

Two movies are up for review and their commonality: revenge, killing, and a lot of spattering blood.

First up we have, The Warrior's Way. This movie stars Jang Dong Gun (he's also the guy from The Promise), Kate Bosworth, and Geoffrey Rush (Captain Barbossa). You'd think that the main character would be from Japan but, no. Story. About the greatest swordsman in the whole world and his refusal to kill the last of his enemy's kind, a very cute baby (kawaii!). It's a three-group fight; people from a circus town against the Colonel's gun-armed posse against a guild of assassins from the orient. Spoiler Alert! The circus people win. Yay! There's revenge tossed in there, too. Visuals. Pretty good visuals. Could be a good 3D movie but I think they didn't make it to be one. Gotta love the sword fights. Very quick. Its cinematography reminds me of the Japanese films Goemon and Casshern (live-action movie). Recommendations. Action aplenty. I'd recommend it to an anyone who loves great action.

Tomato Rating: Six tomatoes.

Next up is, Faster. This movie stars Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. The Rock), Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and Billy Bob Thornton (in case you didn't know, he's Jolie's ex). Story. The Driver (Johnson) is out for revenge. Killing those who had anything to do with his brother's death. With the tag line, 'Justice is Swift, Revenge is Faster," he does the job in 1, 2, … 5 days after his release from prison. All kills are in-your-face, up-close-and-personal. Reminds me of the movie Taken (stars Liam Neeson). Visuals. Typical of your American action movie with very little slow-motion effects. Recommendations. Action fans, go see it. The Rock fans, go see it. Billy Bob fans, yeah, see it.

Tomato Rating: Six tomatoes.

There you go. Two movies filled with action, killing, and blood. Enjoy the spatter.

Fantastic Four #587

2011-02-10T14:03:00.012+08:00

I just finished reading Fantastic Four issue #587. I read it for one reason, the death of Johnny Storm a.k.a. The Human Torch. Yes, this is where the Human Torch, made his (as the comic book says) last stand against a horde of invading bugs. What can I say. I'm a sucker for big comic book events, Legion Quest (the death of Xavier), the Onslaught saga, Civil War, Secret Invasion, etc. (Sorry Batman and Superman, I'm not much of a DC fan.)

I was expecting an all-out, going-out-with-a-bang end for Johnny since he can go supernova. In fact, why didn't he go supernova? He would have taken out a whole lot of those invading bugs. Anyway, seeing Ben Grimm shed a tear for old Johnny was the touchy part. I guess seeing Johnny getting swarmed-in was too much. I say The Human Torch deserved a more fitting last stand than being overrun by bugs. They should have killed off some ordinary bystander. That way, the ordinary bystander would have become a hero in his own way. I mean come on. The task is basically just flicking a switch that happens to be on the other side of the shield.

In conclusion, Johnny Storm's death came short to a super-hero death. But then again, there were many super-hero deaths in the Secret Invasion saga that most of them are just whimpers.

On another note, I hear Spider-Man's joining the Four. He was once a member of The New Fantastic Four together with Ghost Rider, Hulk, and Wolverine. Nuff said.

Season of the Witch

2011-01-31T15:13:00.004+08:00

There is something about working and watching a movie that seems to be a pattern for me. Before going to work (I'm on night shift that time and was hoping that my work schedule would get cancelled and it did), I opted to go to the mall and watch a movie. That day's target movie was Season of the Witch.

Season of the Witch stars Nicolas Cage (you probably know him very well) and Ron Perlman (Hellboy) as two deserter Templar Knights assigned with the task of bringing an accused witch to the holy monks to be tried and stripped of her powers. Nuff said. We don't want to give away too much of the story.

Visuals. The costumes were nicely done and were perfect for the setting. The special effects were pretty much decent. Story. Pretty standard and linear. Very predictable. One thing's for sure, it's not a witch they're up against. Overall. This movie made the attempt of making an Action / Adventure / Fantasy / Suspense / Horror with a touch of Lord of the Rings and a dab of futile humor. Recommendations. If you're a Cage fan then you might want to see this movie. If not, then don't bother. But I do think that the masses would love the effects, simplicity, and no-brainer story.

Tomato rating: Eleven tomatoes.

The Green Hornet

2011-01-23T17:34:00.008+08:00

After work, I went straight to the mall, got myself a ticket and watched The Green Hornet, the hero that poses as a villain.

Green Hornet was originally a radio program back in the 1930's. I never knew that before today when the movie credits started showing; "Based on the Radio Program." What I did know was that there was a TV series and Bruce Lee starred as Kato. I used to watch that show when I was a boy.

This 2011 movie adaptation stars Seth Rogen as Britt Reid/Green Hornet, Jay Chou as Kato (a.k.a. Kato), and Cameron Diaz as Lenore Case. For those who think Chou looks kinda familiar, he played Takumi Fujiwara in the live action movie of Initial D.

Now on to the ratings. Visuals. This movie has a 3D and a non-3D version (I saw the non-3D). It probably looked nice in 3D but the non-3D is nice enough to look at. Story. There were some pretty good conflicts going around. Plus, the villain tries hard enough to become more villainous. Overall. For a GP movie, this one's pretty action-packed with quite a few surprises, and it has a lot of funny moments. Recommendations. See it on 3D if you want to but the non-3D will still have the same story. It's great for the masses and is a good movie to watch with the whole family. Since, there have been quite a lot of changes to the characters over the past 70 or so years, a little "nowadays" change wouldn't hurt.

Tomato rating: One tomato. Now cue the theme.

With or Without Ophiuchus, I'm still a Piscean

2011-01-16T07:11:00.005+08:00

Ophiuchus (or some would call it Serpentarius) some might say is the 13th Zodiac sign. Though not really 13th in order, it goes between Scorpio and Sagittarius. This caused a lot of hype in the horoscope-believing community. Especially those who are hard core horoscope believers.

Astronomer, Park Kunkle, said that the shifting of the Earth's axis caused a shift in the stars alignment. This caused the sun to go through Ophiuchus like it does the original 12 constellations.(click here for the article from The Epoch Times)

It's a good thing that we have GPS nowadays. If not, navigators using star positions would probably get lost.

According to Dailyhoroscope.com, Ophiuchus has been there for a long time as a constellation and not a zodiac sign and that the Zodiac signs are based on the four seasons with a beginning, middle, and end. (click here for the complete article)

Do take note that astronomy and astrology are entirely different. Even the horoscope practicing world is divided; those who follow the constellations and those who divide the seasons. Though there are some horoscope practitioners that would gladly make use of the new Zodiac sign, there are still purists that wouldn't.

But then again, this is just concerning the Western Zodiac. The change in constellations will probably never affect the Eastern Zodiac that, like the Western, has 12 signs. Adding a 13th would cause a lot of confusion since the cycle goes through 12 years. Eastern Zodiac is based on Chinese astronomy and follows a 60-year cycle that does not coincide with the modern calendar.

For the sake of imagination, if there would be a 13th sign in the Eastern Zodiac, what would it be? A cat, there already is one, the tiger. A bear perhaps? But a bear is not very eastern. I know. A panda. Mind you, a panda is not a bear. Year of the Panda. Sounds about right.

New Year, New Bill... Not Really

2011-01-15T07:38:00.003+08:00

What better way to kick off the new year (a very late kick-off) than the bill on the additional tax on cigarettes. Ah, yes. I can't wait for the cigarette prices to sky rocket so the average wage smoker (or the poor smoker) would have to spend more in order to get a fix.

According to the newspaper article I read last year. The bill will take effect roughly around early 2011 or January 2011. I'm not sure on the exact date but I sure hope it happens soon. It will add about Php 30.00 to a pack of cigarettes. So if a pack costs Php 30, with the bill, it'll be Php 60 a pack. Your 1.50 per stick would now cost you double. How wonderful. I say, it should add more than 30, say 90 or 100. That would be most excellent. That should get the attention of a lot of smokers from the middle-class down to the below-poverty-line group. The higher class peeps probably wouldn't mind. Besides, most of them don't usually smoke with the common masses.

Seriously, a higher price tag on cigarettes will never eradicate smoking. But it will (hopefully) discourage smoking for those who earn very little or just enough, or discourage those who would like to take up smoking as a hobby. Especially those who smoke like it's okay for everyone to inhale their mouth farts. For example, chain smokers, or those who smoke while walking, loitering, or practically anywhere even if the sign says "NO SMOKING" or on the public vehicles. Those are the people who I want to suffer. Yes. Suffer. If you people want to smoke then go spend some more. Burn your money and pockets for all I care, you mouth farting freaks.

So, if you're one of those who are really affected, then too bad for you. I suggest you stock up on smokes while they're cheap. If you're not, then good for you (whether you're a non-smoker or you can still afford a smoke even if it's a USD a pop).

Planet Zombie 3: Zombie Wars

2010-12-25T18:52:00.005+08:00

Like I said before, pretty much anyone can win against a one-on-one fight against a zombie. How about if it were like a war. Horde against horde. Which side will win?

Humans Vs. Zombies. Hands down zombies. The zombies can easily outnumber the human population. When a human dies, it becomes a zombie and so on. But of course if you base it on the different movies and games, it's pretty much a tie.

Elves Vs. Zombies. Are we talking about the Lord of the Rings elves or the War Craft Elves? I guess they're pretty much the same when it comes to marksmanship. Elves have come a long way in marksmanship skills. From making toys (for Santa) to shooting down foes with pinpoint accuracy from miles away. As long as the zombies don't come from an unlimited source, the elves might win.

Vampires Vs. Zombies. Though both of these creatures are of the undead, both have a way of being 'killed.' It is unfortunate that even if the vampire has the advantage of speed, strength, and intelligence, it has a lot more weaknesses than the average zombie. And there are a lot more ways to kill a vampire than there is a zombie. If the battle would last well into the morning then it would spell the end of the Nosferatu.

Werewolves Vs. Zombies. Like the vampire, the werewolf has the advantage of speed, strength, and intelligence. However, unlike the vampire, the werewolf is a living, breathing monster. Which means it is prone to getting zombified. Judges? Zombies win.

Wizards/Witches Vs. Zombies. Really now. These magic users don't even have the need to lay a finger on a filthy undead. They could just turn all zombies into harmless little rabbits. I think that would be, in a way, cheating.

Robots Vs. Zombies. I would have to go with robots here. Robots are on an entirely different undead level. Zombies can't even bite through a powered down robot much less a fully armed and fully functional robot. Zombies might not even feel the presence of a robot since a robot is not alive in the first place. Just think Terminators vs. Zombies and you get the idea.

Aliens Vs. Zombies. I guess the winner of this war is open for debate. It would depend on what kind of alien species are involved in battle. If the aliens are anything like humans then we pretty much know how the battle ends. However, if the aliens are anything like the, Zerg (from Star Craft), then it's goodbye zombies.

Super Heroes (or Super Villains) Vs. Zombies. The only documented event where this happened is the Marvel Zombies arc of Marvel. Here, almost all heroes and villains have become infected and have become zombies. Including those in other planets. Of course the zombie strain in this story is also the 'super' kind so you can't really argue the outcome. Plus, the heroes and villains that were infected kept their super powers and abilities in tact making them super zombies.

Plants Vs. Zombies. I don't know the plants win but for some reason they do. This war is well supported by just one game. Unless of course you're playing Endless, then the true essence of a zombie horde on a feeding frenzy has befallen you.

Nuff said.

TRON Legacy

2010-12-24T20:06:00.004+08:00

I remember seeing TRON when I was just a little boy. Back then, its visual effects were amazing. I guess it was one of the best Science Fiction films of its time.

Earlier, I had the chance to see TRON Legacy. And just in time too, before all the MMFF films get on the big screen (Whew!). After almost three decades, the sequel to TRON has come. The movie stars Jeff Bridges, Garret Hedlund, and Olivia Wilde. Like the original TRON movie, Tron isn't the lead character. I wonder why the movie is titled after him. On with the details. Visuals. Both 2D and 3D versions look great but is better in 3D with all the special effects; shattering. Story. The story is quite linear and you can pretty much predict the outcome. But you can't argue with a Disney production for being such. It doesn't offer much to the occult following of the original movie either. Still, it's very entertaining. Overall tomato rating: Seven tomatoes.

Before the movie started, I had the chance to see previews of the up coming movies for 2011 and I'm pretty psyched to see them; Thor, Transformers 3, The Green Hornet, Red Riding Hood (pretty much like what they did to Snow White long ago), Real Steel, and the return of Captain Jack Sparrow.

Planet Zombie 2: Zombie Science

2010-12-22T07:18:00.003+08:00

What is a zombie?

Basically. A zombie is a corpse that has it's basic motor skills in tact and has the basic instinct to feed. It is one of the so-called undead creatures. That would be the basic definition of a zombie in the horror/creature sense.

In a more scientific sense, it's probably a person (a live one) that lost all his brain functions except his basic motor skills, vis a vis, walking. I'm no psych-know-how person so I'm not really sure. But I'm certain that the term zombie is used on some people like those who watch too much TV.

The mythos and lore about the zombie is quite vast. In some cultures like here in the Philippines, the dead coming back to life is brought about by black magic and evil energies. In pop culture, the zombie effect can be brought about by a microorganism like a bacteria, parasite, or a virus and, like a disease, could infect others.

Let's run down some of the characteristics of a zombie.

Slow movement. This and its poor navigation skills makes it easy for its prey to escape it. However, in pop culture, there are some zombies that can run. e.g. Zombieland.

Basic instincts. The zombie is equipped with only the very basic functions; motor skills for movement. Though in some lore, they have all five senses. It is common for zombies to only have sight and hearing. They don't really need touch, taste, and smell. As seen in in many movies, severed limbs and other body parts don't seem to stop them from getting to their prey if the sense of touch (vis a vis feeling) is one of their senses or else they would be in constant pain.

Weakness. Since the brain is the control center of body, destroying the brain is the way to go when killing zombies. Hence, it is pretty easy to kill a zombie. One only needs to give the zombie a massive head trauma. Decapitation also works but the chomping still continues.

Not really a weakness. Unlike most of the dark creatures or undead, zombies don't mind having a little tan. The ultraviolet rays of the sun don't seem to bother them at all. They don't even need to rest, they could go on and on and on for all eternity, if they have to.

Relentless. Zombies are relentless. Cut off one of its limbs and it's still coming for you. A zombie with just its waist up can still crawl up to its victim (if it ever caught up to it). You'll probably be dead of starvation because of hiding and it's still coming for you.

Strength in numbers. With a properly placed hit on a head, a kid would probably win a one-on-one fight against a zombie. But even a troop well trained combatant armed to the teeth might not survive a zombie feeding frenzy.

Brings about the holocaust. Once zombies roam the streets, it's pretty much the end.

Planet Zombie 1: How I Came to Love Zombies

2010-12-19T10:32:00.004+08:00

I remember when I was about ten years old. I saw the movie Night of the Living Dead and it turned me into a paranoid kid. I thought that everyone walking outside our house was a possible zombie. From that day onwards, I was terrified of zombies. Being swarmed by zombies was my worst fear until Resident Evil.

Resident Evil (the game, not the movie) changed my views of zombies. Since I had the power to shoot them down, they totally lost their terrifying appeal on me. My fear of zombies took a complete u-turn. I don't fear them anymore. Instead, I played almost every zombie-themed game, watched every movie or TV show, I think Marvel Zombies is one of the best Marvel Sagas I have ever read, and I've watched the on-line series Xombie (until they stopped making it). Heck, I even have a zombie tribe MTG (Magic the Gathering) deck.

Zombie-themed, survival horror games gave me the courage to fight off my fear of zombies. On top of the list is the Resident Evil series then followed by the rest. There's House of the Dead that I usually play in the arcades. There's also Oneechanbara, Left 4 Dead, Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Teenage Zombies Invasion of the Alien Brain Thingys, and let's not forget Plants Vs. Zombies.

The movies I've seen are; Night of the Living Dead (this was the first), Dawn of the Dead, Land of the Dead, Resident Evil (this time, the movies), 28 Days Later (almost a zombie movie), 28 Weeks Later, Zombieland, Zombies of Mass Destruction (very funny movie), I Am Legend (again, almost a zombie movie), Zombie Strippers, Onechanbara (this one's Japanese and it also happens to be a game) and quite a few more.

I've also watched the anime series High School of the Dead. Trust the Japanese to make a zombie story where the zombies just appeared. No particular origin. The students use their skills to survive the onslaught of zombies; gun-geek, kendo master, spear specialist. This series was full of zombie killing action.

Lately. A new TV series was brought to my attention by a friend of mine. It's a TV show with the title The Walking Dead. And yes, it's zombie-themed. So far I've seen six episodes and I can't wait for the seventh. It's just your ordinary, run-in-the-mill zombie survival story but with the characters with character. Not just the basic kill and survive that we usually see in movies. The zombie-fan should definitely watch it.

Zombies. They're not real (hopefully) and they're not all that bad once you get to know them.

The Other Guys

2010-11-28T12:22:00.004+08:00

The Other Guys is an Action / Comedy film that stars Mark Wahlberg, Will Farrell and features Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, and Samuel L. Jackson.

It's a story about two cops (Wahlberg and Farrell) with very opposite personalities that want to fill the shoes of the top cops gone-splat-on-the-pavement (Johnson and Jackson). Visuals. Johnson's and Jackson's action scenes were pretty well made. Especially the part where they hit the pavement. Pretty funny stuff. Story. The plot is simple enough to follow. Make it more complicated and you'd loose the fun in it. Recommendations. It's a fun movie to watch. Entertaining but I wouldn't recommend it to the some of The Rock's fans because his characters dies in a very... un-intellectual way. Spoiler alert?. Too late for that.

Tomato rating: Five tomatoes.

107.5 Reformatted

2010-11-25T20:12:00.002+08:00

A few weeks ago, The Home of NU Rock NU 107 signed officially signed off the air. It was also said that the frequency, 107.5 on the FM band, would be back with a different format.

A couple of days ago, the radio on the laboratory where I work in was tuned to a seemingly new radio station. The station played mainstream, standard, a few rock songs, some classics. It reminded of or RJ Radio. However, the DJ sounded like someone from the masa station. It was a good thing the DJ didn't do much talking like the ones from the rest of the masa station world.

When that station played its station ID, it mentioned that its frequency is 107.5. Then it hit me. So this is the reformatted 107.5. It's not all that bad. I just wish they get rid of the masa station-sounding DJ's. Now they are called, Win Radio (or is it Win FM?).

I was right. There will never be a station quite like the Home of NU Rock.

A Week Ago... The End of a NU Era

2010-11-14T09:49:00.005+08:00

The home of NU Rock, NU 107 signed off the air one week ago. Today, I would have been listening to the station via Remote Control Weekend. But alas, today I am not. Last Sunday, they aired their last song, Huling El Bimbo by the Eraserheads. Fans were at the studio singing together and chanting, 'More!' and lit up 107 candles as a tribute to the station.

NU is one of the only two radio stations that I actually listen to (one of which is 995 RT). Now I'm down to one because I'm not fond of the so-called masa stations that are coming out like mushrooms. Quite frankly, since the onslaught of these masa stations, the Philippine standards for DJ's considerably went down. I find masa station DJ voices very annoying especially when they laugh.

NU programs that catered to different tastes though they did play genres of the rock kind. They had stots for the up and coming bands in In The Raw, the faithful in Against The Flow, requests in Remote Control Weekend, and many more. Of course let's not forget the 17-year run of the NU Rock Awards.

It was said that NU or at least 107.5 will go back on air with a different format. However, I believe that it will never top the 23-year run of the Home of NU Rock.

In the words of one of my friends, "Itaas ang lighter!"

Suspense Movie Marathon

2010-10-11T07:49:00.006+08:00

I was able to watch three movies on a Sunday and all of them had a scary and suspenseful feel; Monsters, After Life, and Suicide Girls Must Die! Spoiler warning.

First up, Monsters. The movie is about two individuals, a photographer and the daughter of the photographer's boss. They are to travel from Mexico to the USA going through the 'Infected Zone.' The premise is that six years ago, alien creatures somehow infected an area of Mexico. Visuals. The movie had a little bit of Cloverfield and District 9 feel to it. The rendering of the monsters were pretty much ok since they looked like octopi on land. Story. The story was plain and simple. Just get from point A to point B but with challenges. Kind of like movie, The Road (if you have seen it). Recommendations. Go ahead and see it. It's not as fast chasing as The Blair Witch or Cloverfield and not as visually stimulating as District 9. Rating. Eight tomatoes.

After Life. This movie stars Christina Ricci, Justin Long, and Liam Neeson. You'd think that it's a supernatural story at first but you'll find out otherwise as the movie progresses. Casting in Ricci (Wednesday Addams) was a great touch. Not to mention Neeson (Qi Gon Jin) since he finds himself an apprentice. Visuals. Nice play of lighting, make-up, and all those analog effects. Story. Here's a spoiler if you haven't seen the movie. It was more like a serial killer movie. I don't know how Neeson's character does it, but he makes you think you're dead until you accept that you are then he buries you alive. Then off to the next victim. Never gets caught and he even picks up an apprentice. Recommendations. Suspense fans, go see the movie. Big screen, 3D, HD, DVD, it doesn't matter. I think you'll like it. Rating. Five tomatoes.

Lastly. Suicide Girls Must Die! Meant to be a reality show stint about the making of a calendar. So you'd be expecting amateur shots like the Blair Witch. But no running around while making the viewers dizzy. It's more of a reality TV feel like Survivor mixed with Top Model. Visuals. Nothing much to say but wow. Did I just say that? Not because of the amateur shots but of the nude stills. Hey, they are great. I wonder where I could find them. Probably on their website. Story. The girls think they were just shooting some stills for a calendar. Then one by one they go missing. Yet they continue until all hell breaks. Then the last girl finds out that it was all a prank. They've all been Punk'd! Recommendations. See it if you're bored. It just might work. Rating. Ten tomatoes.

There you go. Three movies in one day and probably in one genre.

Contra 4, Spider-Man, and Viewtiful Joe

2010-10-09T21:08:00.005+08:00

Since I got myself a Nintedo DS, I figured I'd write something about the games I've been playing on this hand-held device. Besides, I haven't had any game reviews. Rating system? Just a simple 1 to 8 scale. Don't ask why I chose 8 as the highest. And folks, I would just be giving reviews and not cheats since the net is probably crawling with the cheats already. Let's begin.

Contra 4. The classic 2D, shoot-em-up game with the classic Konami cheat is on the DS. The game stayed loyal to its classic roots of hard core 2D action and two player mode, as it was meant to be. There are three levels of difficulty and you can't see or play the last stages if you choose the easy mode, wimp. Graphics even stayed as close as the original but made use of the DS dual screen. But it didn't make full use of the DS's touch screen feature. Other features include a museum where you can view tidbits about the past Contra games. Ratings. Difficulty; 5 out of 8. Graphics: 4 out of 8. Playability: 7 out of 8. With an overall 5.3.

Spider-Man: Friend or Foe. Spider-Man teams up with his friends and foes in order to stop a planetary threat. Like that hasn't happened before. Nothing new there. Like all Spider-Man games, it is very linear and has very little to offer in terms of playability. Play it once and you're pretty much good. It makes very little use of the DS's touch screen. Only when switches or the like need to be tinkered with and to solve puzzles. Ratings. Difficulty: 3 out of 8. Graphics: 4 out of 8. Playability: 4 out of 8. With an overall of 3.7.

Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble. Saving the best for last. Joe comes back for more on the hand-held. However, he would be fighting baddies in the real world. This game makes good use of the DS's touch screen; Scratch, Split, Switch. And what's a good Viewtiful Joe game with out the super slow mo. Even if you finish the game, you'd want to go at it again just to unlock all Joe's abilities. Henshin a-go-go, baby! Ratings. Difficulty: 5 out of 8. Graphics. 6 out of 8. Playability: 7 out of 8. With an overall 6.

There you go. The first three games. Come back for more DS game reviews. I'll probably have newer ones. Probably.

Henshin!

2010-10-05T20:51:00.016+08:00

Being a Kamen Rider fan that I am, I finally decided to write a little something about the masked rider.

Kamen Rider, the masked transforming hero that usually rides a motorcycle and kicks antagonist ass. Through the many years that Kamen Rider existed and through the two eras that it has been, Showa and Heisei, there have been many of them.

In this article, I would like to differentiate each of the main riders of the Heisei era, from Kuuga up to OOO, according to what type of rider they are, their status as a rider at the beginning of their respective series, how they know when and where their enemy would strike and what are their enemies called.

I would be categorizing them as:
Technological type - Source of powers come from the advancement in technology.
Organic type - Changing into a rider entails that the riders entire biological make-up changes as well. (However, I think none of the main riders are of the organic type.)
Mystical type - Origin of powers come from mystical sources such as ancient artifacts, mystical creatures, and the like.

Kamen Rider Kuuga - Mystical type. Not a rider at the start of the series. Yuusuke Godai acquires Kuuga's belt and is able to transform. His enemies are called the Gorongi. He knows they are around since the police usually are the first on the scene then he comes next.

Kamen Rider Agito - Mystical type. Since Shouichi Tsugami lost his memory, it is unsure if he was or was not a rider prior the start of the series. However, it is safe to assume that he was since he is very knowledgeable of Agito's abilities. His enemies are called the Unknowns. Shouichi seems to have a connection with the Unknowns and feels it when they are about to strike.

Kamen Rider Ryuuki - Mystical type. Not a rider at the start of the series. Shinji Kido finds a blank Advent Deck and makes a contract with Dragredder and becomes Ryuki. He battles other riders and the monsters from the mirror world. Shinji and the other riders hear some kind of high pitched sound whenever a mirror world monster is about to attack.

Kamen Rider Faiz - Technological type. Not a rider at the start of the series. Takumi Inui dons the Faiz Gear and transforms into faiz. Orphenochs are what Faiz fights. Since the Orphenocs are after the Faiz gear, trouble seems to find Takumi.

Kamen Rider Blade - Technological type. Kenzaki Kazuma is a newbie rider at the start of the series. He uses the Spade's category Ace to transform. Blade seals the Undead. The undead are found via a tracking system.

Kamen Rider Hibiki - Mystical type. Hidaka Hitoshi became an Oni on his own. He discarded his name a long time ago and was then since called Hibiki. Hibiki fights kaijins they call the Makamou. He and other Oni hunt the Makamou with the help of Disc Animals.

Kamen Rider Kabuto - Technological type. Not a rider at the start of the series but knows that being a rider is his destiny. Souji Tendou has a rider belt since he was a child and he was chosen by the Kabuto Zecter. The alien Worms are what he fights and some of the alien Natives. Since every worm leaves a pattern, Tendou easily finds the culprit Worm.

Kamen Rider Den-O - Technological type. Not a rider at the start of the series. Ryotaro Nogami was given Den-O's belt because he was a Singular Point, a being that is not affected by changes in the time stream. Den-O battles the wish-granting Imajin. The Imajin that possesses Ryotaro can feel the activities of their fellow Imajin.

Kamen Rider Kiva - Mystical type. Already a rider at the start of the series. Wataru Kurenai was passed the power of Kiva from his father, though not directly. The vampire-like Fangarie are the antagonists of this series. Wataru's father's violin, The Bloody Rose, which strings vibrate every time a Fangarie attacks its prey is the sounding alarm.

Kamen Rider Decade - Technological type. Not a rider at the start of the series. However, it was said that Tsukasa Kadoya was already a rider way before and only lost his memory. Since Tsukasa travels different worlds, he fights whatever or whoever it is that is the antagonist on whichever world he is in. But his main nemesis is Shocker.

Kamen Rider Double - Technological type. Already a rider at the start of the series. Hidari Shotaro and Phillip use Double Driver and Gaia Memories to transform into Double. Shotaro and Phillip fight Dopants. Since both of them are detectives, they find that most of the time, their cases involve a Dopant.

Kamen Rider Ozu - Mystical type. Not a rider at the start of the series. Eiji Hino was given the seal to transform with by Ankh, a mystical being known as Greed. The incarnation of human greed are known as the Yammi and this is what Ozu fights besides the Greed. Ankh, being a Green himself, can feel if a Yammi is in the process of growth.

There you have it. All the twelve Heisei riders in a nutshell. There are other riders in the Heisei era. Some of them are secondary riders from the series, some are from the series but only have a cameo appearance, and some are move exclusive riders.

I'd probably categorize the secondary riders on my next post. Until the next post.

Pimpin' Aint Easy, Grandma

2010-10-04T17:39:00.002+08:00

This is one of the funnier moments in my life and also one of the more… gut wrenching.

It happened one day while I was in a well-known mall in Metro Manila (no mall naming to protect the good name of the Mall, as if it had any). I was minding my own business when suddenly an old woman approached me and asked, "Gusto mo ng babae? (would you like a girl?)" So grandma is a pimp, eh. It was no surprise at all since the mall was known to be crawling with pimps and whores (like I said, it's not like it had any good name to begin with). Being the curious person that I am, I inquired of her the hiring price. It was at a price of Php 500. Cheap (in every sense of the word and it depends on who's spending).

The funny part was when I asked where the girl she was pimping was. Then she said, "Ako (Me)." What?! If I were drinking something at that time, I would have blown the whole contents of my mouth on her face. Thankfully, I wasn't. And I kept my composure and kept the laughter from leaping out of me. Being a granny that she is, I respectfully declined.

I thought that was the end of it. She kept pressing saying, "Sige na, good service naman eh (Come on, I give good service)." What the hell! By this time, I really felt like farting because I had to contain my laughter. My goodness, grandma. Are these desperate times? No.

At last she gave up. However, by this time, she started pimping other girls. Younger girls she said; one was a stout woman, another one was missing her front teeth. This would be being mean but, really, they're at the bottom of the likable chart, way below dog poop. If I could read grandma pimp's mind by that time, I believe she'd be thinking, "Grandma doesn't look so bad now, huh?"

With the relentless pimping, and my so wanting to laugh or at least give out a giggle, I had to leave and let it out some place else. The novelty book section of the bookstore seemed very appropriate.

Cosplay X

2010-10-03T20:30:00.003+08:00

Cosplay X. The tenth anniversary of cosplay in the Philippines. The event occurred on the 2nd and 3rd of October 2010 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

I wasn't able to attend the first day but I was able to attend the second. There were a lot of cosplayers of different genres; from movies, to games, to anime, to comic books. One event hall could not accommodate the numbers.

I was surprised to see a lot of Final Fantasy VIII cosplayers, more specifically Squall. I wonder why there is a sudden boom in Squall cosplays. However, I didn't take any pictures of any of them this time around. There are also new ones like Kamen Rider Ozu, who has just been on air for a month now.

Exhibitors aplenty. Free installers for up and coming new on line games; toys; anime related memorabilia; accessories and trinkets; samplers for Sony's 3D entertainment pack (I gave this one a try. Sick!); costumes and other cosplay related articles; videos; and a lot more.

OY! by Lynx

2010-09-22T17:52:00.006+08:00

Lynx is a genus of wild cats and there are four species that belong to this genus. Lynx is also the name of an up and coming rock band here in the Philippines. Their first music video, titled "Oy!", has already been shown on a local music channel, Myx, on their show, RockMyx. This metal song sends out a socio-political awareness to those who watch it.

I had an unplanned chit chat with one of its members. It happened on one of my rounds on my day job. It so happened that the sales manager of one of the establishments that I regularly check is one of the founding members of the band. He is Jesus 'Jess' Sacilioc.

Mr. Sacilioc said that the band goes way back around twenty years ago, thus, having a classic AC/DC feel to its sound. Right now, he no longer plays but he manages the band instead. Back in the day, he used to play the bass guitar. The band members have changed over the years but the name of the band stayed the same.

Their music video came to fruition when all the band members (current and former) had a reunion. Some of the former members are already professionals in the field of music and media. Making a music video came naturally.

I asked him about the band name. He said that since the lynx was a wild cat and the band had a somewhat wild sound, they named the band Lynx.

Here is their music video, Oy!. Remember. You saw the video first on Myx. Not on my blog. Well. Probably some of you will see it here first.

If the video doesn't play, click here.

Two Events, One Day

2010-09-20T09:14:00.010+08:00

I went to SMX Convention Center to attend an event. It turns out there were two events that were currently on (there were actually three but I don't know what the other one was).

First up. The one I intended to attend. The best of Anime 2010. It was held on the upper level of the SMX; Function Room 5. It's your usual otaku convention. There were the various exhibitors, booths, and of course, cosplay enthusiasts. And as I said on my FB post, I did go as Amano Ginji but its not like I can take a full body picture of myself. :)

The other event captured one of my many interests; books. The 31st International Book Fair. The book fair covered all of the conventions halls of the first floor. If I'm not mistaken, that's five event halls. That's one huge area for a whole lot of books. There were technical books, text books, books on philosophy, sciences, religion, children's books, pop-ups, comic books and all other topics and print media you can think of. There were also various teaching aids and other related stuff. Most of the books were on sale up to 70% off! Not to mention book signings by local authors and a few international ones.

Chopsticks were signed by the author, Stanley Chi.

Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D

2010-09-12T16:10:00.011+08:00

Shooting zombies in 3-D! The fourth installment of the Resident Evil movie franchise. It still stars Milla Jovovich as Alice (I still think the Alice character is more of a Parasite Eve feel than RE). Other stars include: Ali Larter as Clair Redfield, Boris Kodjoe as Luther West, Sienna Guillory as Jill Valentine (shown only post credits after you say to yourself, "Jill Valentine? When did she come out in the movie?"), Shawn Roberts as Albert Wesker, and Wentworth Miller as Chris Redfield.

Now to nitpick on the details. Visuals. I saw the movie in 3-D. Freakin' awesome. Murky water scenes still give me the creeps. Story. Unlike the first three movies, this one is slowly inching its way to the storyline that the game followed. The appearance of the Las Plagas/Oraboros parasites and Jill being under mind control hints that a next RE movie may come out and may follow the game's story line.

Movie situation of note. The survivors were inside a penitentiary because it was difficult for the zombies to enter it. However, they needed to get out in order to reach a cargo ship for rescue. They needed the help of Chris in order to accomplish this. It's amusing how they need the help of Michael Scofield (Miller) to escape a prison. I just thought I point that out.

Being a fan of Resident Evil, surely this rating will be biased, I'm giving it a single tomato.

The Longanisa List

2010-09-11T07:34:00.009+08:00

Longanisa is what the Filipinos call the sausage. With a country as diverse as the Philippines, you can expect the longanisa to be different from region to region. There are a couple of ways I know of in cooking one; in oil or in water.

Generic Longanisa. Why do I call it generic? Simply because it's the common one that you can find at the market place in Metro Manila. There is nothing so special about it; just the usual odd parts and preservatives. When cooked, there is a little bit of caramelized sugar and some oil or fat comes out from the longanisa.

Fast Food Longanisa (specifically from Jollibee). This is what some fast food chains serve. This type of longanisa resembles more of a special hotdog. It is made at a meat processing plant with a name similar to a Philippine province.

Vigan Longanisa. Up the North Western part of Luzon is Ilocos where Vigan is located is where you can find one of my more favorite type of longanisa. The Vigan longanisa is not as greasy when cooked as the other types. It is also garlicky. This is the type of longanisa you would most likely have in the Ilocos Region, Region 1.

Cagayan Longanisa. Like the Vigan Longanisa, this is also garlicky with a slight difference in flavor. Both are not very greasy when cooked. This can be found in Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya, and Quirino.

Pampanga Longanisa (Unfortunately, I don't have a picture for it). It is the more famous type of longanisa around Central Luzon, Pangasinan, some parts of Southern Region 1, and Metro Manila. When cooked, you will notice the caramelized sweetener on the outside of the longanisa. This makes it very sweet and sticky.

Quezon Longanisa (No picture). This type is probably the largest. Its common size is generally the largest compared to the common size of other longanisa (I said common size because you can custom make a longanisa to any size and length). You have to go to Quezon or its neighboring provinces to try one of these.

Dumaguete Longanisa. This type of longanisa is what you would most likely have in the City of Dumaguete. It is similar to the Pampanga Longanisa because both are on the sweet side. The difference lies in the wrapper. The Dumaguete type has none. It's skinless.

Cebu Longanisa (No picture). In contrast to the Quezon type, this is perhaps the smallest. It is almost spherical in shape. One piece is around an inch or so in diameter. Also, it is not restricted to one taste; there's sweet, spicy, etc.

Nueva Ecija Longanisa (No picture). I'm not sure if I have tried this particular longanisa. But for certain, I have heard of it. It is more commonly known as bototay.

There are a lot of other types of longanisa out there; one being a variant of the other. There is a difference from region to region, province to province. Since most of them are home made, even home to home. They are made to fit the different tastes of a diverse people.

Negros in Four Days

2010-08-28T09:55:00.008+08:00

My recent trip to the Visayas was not limited to Bacolod City. This time, I had the chance to visit Dumaguete City as well.

Bacolod City. The city of smiles was my first destination. I stayed at my usual hotel of choice, Check Inn Pensionne. It is by far the cheapest hotel I have ever stayed in. The room rates are from USD 11 - USD 45. However, they don't have free breakfast but it's okay. The hotel is just beside City Hall which also makes it very accessible. SM City Bacolod is just walking distance away. And SM City Bacolod is very near one of the famous food destinations at Bacolod, Manokan Country.

Manokan Country is a stretch of restaurants that have chicken inasal as their specialty. Chiken inasal is their style of barbecue. You can have your own choice of cuts; paa (legs and thighs), pecho (breast), pechopak (breast with wings), three pieces of wings, and the famous chicken ass. They also have heart, liver, and some oysters.

Dumaguete City. I took the bus to get to Dumaguete City. There are two options, one taking the North route and the other, the South route. There are more trips using the South route because it's faster. Still, it takes around six hours to get to Dumaguete from Bacolod by bus.

I only have one observation about the personnel of Ceres bus lines North station. The conductors, bus drivers, and dispatchers there are very rude and very unaccommodating (up yours mother effers!). Ask them a question in Tagalog, they answer in Ilonggo and leave you hanging. Ask them in English, same thing. Didn't they go to school. Or is driving school the only one they went to. I had to call up a friend just to know the bus schedule. And off to the South Station I go. The people at the South Station are way better. But enough of the complaints.

I stayed at Camila Hotel. They have pretty decent rooms (then again, I took their business class room and I didn't get to see the cheaper rooms.) Room rates are from USD 17 - USD 33. But again, no free breakfast.

Dumuguete City is sprawling with foreigners. I can compare it to Olongapo City. There are also many foreign students here (from Korea and Pakistan). Night life here happens along the Boulevard where most of the bars and restaurants are located. Lucky for me, my brief stay at Dumaguete City was also the foundation week of the famous Silliman University, one of the more famous universities in the region with its international standards. This made the city more busy with the visitors and tourists. I actually had a little difficulty booking my accommodations.

That's my brief trip around Negros in four days.

ROTC, CAT, PMT... Bull Shit

2010-08-26T22:15:00.005+08:00

I'm now here in my room at Dumaguete City watching the news. Besides the big deal news, there was one particular news that caught my attention; to bring back ROTC back into the curriculum. What?!

In my opinion, any military-related subject that is forced upon any student is a big waste of time. As far as I'm concerned, ROTC (and CAT, PMT) is the biggest waste of tuition fee ever in the history of education; marching under the heat of the sun, getting sunburn. For what? Reserve my ass. Let those who get into the PMA do the soldier job. That's what they're there for. Not all students want to be in reserve and I'm one of them.

Too many of my Sundays have been wasted on ROTC. Instead of doing projects, studying, or having fun, I'm inside a classroom learning nothing. Learning about the parts of an obsolete plane is a waste of time. Learning about the parts of obsolete weaponry is a waste of time. Listening to dumb ass officers that can't even pronounce the word 'fuselage' properly is a waste of time (say what mr. officer, fyus-leyj?). Learning about call signs and counter signs that you can learn on the Internet and on TV is a waste of time. Learning about the names of the officers that will someday be corrupt or dead (or both) is a wast of time. To sum it up, ROTC is worthless, useless, a big waste of time. If I wanted to learn about or be a part of the military, I would have joined the PMA. But no, I do NOT want to be a part of it or be one of its dogs. No intentions at all.

Don't expect me to give my life for this country's defence. I mean it.

The Expendables

2010-08-25T18:54:00.003+08:00

The Expendables is a movie about a team of mercenaries. I have to say, they were a level higher than the A-Team in the bad ass department.

I wasn't expecting much from the movie. I was curious because of its cast of household names in hard hitting action; Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts, with a cameo by Bruce Willis and Arnold Sczhwarzenegger. All that's missing were Steven Segal, and Jean Claude Van Damme, and maybe Vin Diesel. Jackie Chan won't fit in well in this movie. I'm not much of a the guns-a-blazing-war-type-movie but this movie was the bomb (a little archaic there). The sheer brutality of the fights made me want to finish it to the end. They showed the right way to defeat your enemy; humiliate and eliminate in the most brutal way... No mercy.

Now for the low down. Visuals. Like a said, guns-a-blazing, and explosions galore. There's a lot of gore; bodies torn in half, head and limbs cut off, not to mention a neck-breaking axe kick to the face (and I do mean neck breaking). Story. The story's pretty simple. A simple complete the mission and you're good to go. The action makes up for the simple story. Recommendations. This movie is an absolute must see for the action movie fan and the general masses. I would not recommend this for the critical movie fan though but I'm sure they would watch this for a simple review. Now for the tomato rating: I give it three tomatoes.

Metro Comic Con 2010 Day 2

2010-08-22T21:46:00.010+08:00

The second day of the Metro Comic Con. The same booths and exhibits are still there. This time around, the open forum was with the Voice Artists (or dubbers, voice actors, voice talents, etc.)

The cosplay competition was also held on the second day. Cosplayers from all genres competed; anime, game, movie, comic book, even a group who cosplayed a Korean Girl-band.

But with all the cosplayers, I believe that little kids make the cutest cosplayers. Kawaii.

Metro Comic Con 2010 Day 1

2010-08-21T22:03:00.011+08:00

The Metro Comic Con 2010 is an annual event that celebrates the comic book loving community. This year's event is held at SM Mega Mall Mega Trade Hall 2. I got there pretty late but usually the fun starts late so its okay.

There are of course exhibits and booths of famous, amateur, and aspiring artists. It goes without saying that there's autograph signing. It's a fine place to bag the first autograph of an up coming artist.

There was also an open forum about the work of professional and freelance comic artists and writers.

And of course, there's the ever present Cosplay. But you couldn't take pictures outside of the event hall. Well, it's not like people can't take pictures but apparently it's prohibited. The way the guards were announcing that it was prohibited was kind of rude with the megaphone. I get their point in enforcing the regulations but talking to a person or to a group up close with a megaphone just shouts, "Party Pooper."

Characters of Brain and Angst

2010-08-15T08:37:00.010+08:00

Most of the loved characters have positive traits like honor, pride, humility, and the like. They embody what most people would like to be. However, for me, I prefer a character who uses his brain. And most of the time, these characters display a certain angst.

Here are a few of the characters that I find interesting. If you've watched the series, you know what I'm talking about.

Light Yagami / Kira - The human who picked up the Death Note that the death god, Ryuuk, dropped. Light was a very intelligent young man. Before he picked up the Death Note, he lead a very normal life; home, school, then home again. The Death Note awakened his desire to rid the world of all evil. With his use of the Death Note, the world's (especially Japan's) crime rate dropped. The world named him, Kira. His real identity, a secret. As time passed, he viewed himself as a god, able to choose who dies and who lives. But of course, no good deed goes unpunished. He is then hunted down by the Japanese police, Interpol, and FBI for many years. In the end, Ryuuk wrote Light's name on the Death Note.

Lelouch Lamperouge / Zero - He has the Geass that can order anyone to do anything; even to kill themselves. Lelouch was a very intelligent high school student. However, for the longest time, had a grudge against the Britanian Empire. When he was able to acquire his Geass and learned what it could do, he decided that it was time to take revenge. He wore a mask and called himself, Zero. With his new found power, he was able to take a ragtag band of rebels and turn them into the biggest threat of the empire. He used his Geass on almost everyone until he lost control of it. Even without the Geass, he used his charm to manipulate people and take him to his side. After some time, he was able to take over the empire and he seemingly ruled the world with an iron fist, much worse than the emperor that he overthrew. People hated him. But he planned it all. He sacrificed himself so the world may have lasting peace.

Izaya Orihara / Kanra - The information dealer of Ikebukuro. He knows almost everything in his territory from the smallest secret to the largest scandal. He has no super powers at all. However, with his intelligence, he manipulates events in the shadows as if he were the director of the lives of everyone else. People who know the name Izaya Orihara knows that he is not the man you would want to make an enemy of (at least one of the two men you wouldn't want to make an enemy of). Information is power.

Shikamaru Nara - He is a ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village and the only Genin in their batch to pass the Chuunin exam (in fact the only Genin who passed the Chuunin exam at that time since some of them are repeat takers). His is an expert in shadow manipulation techniques and an expert strategist. His mentor and leader of their team cannot beat him at board games such as Shogi or Go. He can even think of strategies in the heat of battle and they are usually very effective. However, he has an easy going nature and is very lazy. He views everything that involves physical or intellectual exertion as a drag or a bother.

Souji Tendou / Kamen Rider Kabuto - (As you've noticed, he's the only one who's not from the manga/anime genre. Souji's character is played by Hiro Mizushima.) The man who walks the path of heaven. The man who shall rule over everything. Since Souji was seven years old, he trained and waited for the day of his destiny. For him, he knew that he was not just destined but was born for the moment to become Kabuto. Every time he defeats an enemy, he does his signature pose; pointing towards heaven. He is also known to always quote his grandma; "Grandma said this…" People knew him as egotistic, and rude. He eliminate all that gets in his way of his goal; to protect his sister.

There are other characters that used their brains or as full of angst. However, what sets apart the ones mentioned above is their certain mix of brains and angst, which makes them stand out like a sore thumb (at least for me). Among them are Hiro Yui (Mobile Suite Gundam Wing), Tsukasa Kadoya (Kamen Rider Decade), Kurama (YuYu Hakusho), Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z), Mayuri Kurotsuchi (Bleach), and Kyoya Hibari (Katekyo Hitman, Reborn!) to name a few.

Resto by the Highway

2010-08-13T21:42:00.005+08:00

When you travel by land, especially to a far-off destination, you take rest stops along the way. This is true when you take long bus trips (at least here in the Philippines). Here are some usual rest stops that a few bus companies frequent. All of them are just along the highway and are easy to get to. These places are of note for one reason or another.

Siesta, Tarlac City, Tarlac - With all my years of travelling, I have set foot here so many times that I've lost count. There are food stalls, a convenience store, a bakery, and a hotel at this particular rest stop. Most of the food stalls are quite like fast food chains and are priced as such. You have to be alert for the announcements for departing buses because with the sheer number of buses that come and go here, you just might miss yours. An alternative rest stop at Tarlac City is Travel Gate located at San Rafael and is also located along the highway.

Good-Ah Victory Liner Bus Stop, Sison, Pangasinan - Long ago this place was not known as Good-Ah. I don't know what it was called back then. How often have I set foot here? I do not know. Probably the same number as I've set foot on Siesta, probably more. Food here is more of the traditional Filipino snack kind. But they do have rice meals.

Partas Bus Lines' rest stop at Sison, Pangasinan - Just located a few meters away from Good-Ah, this is one of my more favorite rest stops. Why? Because as far as I'm concerned, food at their canteen is reasonably priced. They also have a gotohan outside, like Good-Ah, native delicacy shop just up front, and the hotdogs that I seem to not get enough of.

Double Happiness, Lubao, Pampanga - This place is pretty much the same as Siesta. This is just located a few kilometers away from the Genesis rest stop, the rest stop that has nothing to offer. I believe I had an entry about that particular rest stop. (Click here to read the post.) There's another Double Happiness rest stop located at San Miguel, Bulacan.

Travellers' Complex

Travelers' Complex, La Paz, Tarlac - Again, this rest stop is much like Siesta or Double Happiness (because the first time this opened, it was known as Double Happiness). It is, however, smaller. So what is special about this rest stop you might ask. It is because of its clean rest rooms. This rest stop is pretty new after all. Wait 'til gets older.

Hebabil, Somewhere around Nueva Ecija before getting to Sta. Fe (Northbound) - This is not a regular stop for buses heading up North to Cagayan Valley. It is, however, a rest stop for those who make deliveries and those on smaller vehicles because it's conveniently located in the middle of nowhere. It's not as big as the other rest stops, not as clean, and it definitely doesn't have a clean rest room. I believe I have written a blog post about this place on my old and lost blog. The one thing that's unique about this place is its menu. There are only three main ingredients; pork, bangus, and tilapia. And there are only two ways of cooking them; sinigang or fried. And you get to choose which tilapia, or bangus, or cut of pork to use. Then they cook it for you. So you have to wait for your food to get cooked.

CCQ Bus Stop

CCQ, Aritao, Nueva Viscaya - This place is similar to the Partas Bus Lines' rest stop; gotohan, reasonably priced food at the canteen, local delicacies with the addition of local handicrafts, and a pretty decent rest room.

So far, the above mentioned are the rest stops that are worth stopping at or at least getting off the bus for (if you're on a bus). The other stops, since I don't recall them, are not really up to par.

Glassblowing is not a Whore's Job

2010-08-09T19:05:00.001+08:00

A friend of mine told me that she's quite biased with my blog entries. She likes my entries funny like the 'Rubber Candy' bit. So I thought, if I observed my surroundings long enough, I might be able to see something funny and worth writing about. So I did. But to no avail. It's not everyday that a kid approaches the condom stand, grabs a pack, and asks his dad if the thing in his hand is candy.

All the observing and waiting made me feel like a stalker, a paparazzi, a traffic cam. I was waiting for disaster to happen. So I thought maybe I time would show me the right event. Instead, I searched my memory for funny events that I have hidden in the dark places of my brain. And I did.

This happened when I was in college. It was almost the end of the semester and everyone in our laboratory class were checking on our borrowed glass ware if everything was still accounted for. Unfortunately for one group, one of their glass wares was damaged. It wasn't a volume sensitive glass ware so it was still repairable. They (they were a couple of ladies by the way) went to the glass blowing shop and asked the custodian to repair it for them. It was an easy fix so the custodian told them to come back at the end of our period.

After a couple of hours, I was at the glass ware counter returning everything that was borrowed. It so happened that the glass ware counter was within earshot of the glass blowing shop. It so happened that it was also time for the two ladies to pick up their glass ware. They asked the custodian, 'Kuya, tapos na ba yun pina-blow job namin sa 'yo?" (Kuya, is the thing we asked you to blow job done?) At that moment, I contained my laughter.

The custodian answered, yes and then he gave them their glass ware. Then, they left. It was only after a few minutes that they noticed that they said something vulgar and started giggling. I'm sure the custodian noticed it as soon as the two ladies did and probably laughed away his embarrassment.

Durarara!!

2010-08-08T15:03:00.004+08:00

I just finished watching all 24 episodes of Durarara!!.

It's a very interesting anime. Its a story of how different lives are intertwined, whether you're human or otherwise. There were quite a few characters that it took almost the first half of the series just to show the background story of each one of them. It also has a number of interesting twists. At least it got me hooked enough to marathon the whole thing.

The characters were all different; Celty (the headless rider), Mikado (founder of Dollars), Masaomi (shogun of the Yellow Bandanas), Anri (the Slasher), Izaya (information dealer), Shizou (the strongest of fighter), Simon (Russian Sushi seller), Shinra (underground doctor)... and a whole lot more.

Most of the reviews about Durarara!! around the web say that its predecessor is better, Baccano! I can't tell yet because I haven't seen it, yet.

Next up, search for Baccano!.

Blogging on the Road

2010-08-05T20:04:00.002+08:00

There are a couple of perks of mobile blogging. First. You can blog anytime. Second. Anywhere. Your ideas turned into blog entries in an instant. No time-elapsed editions. Trust me that happens to me a lot.

Not having a mobile device for blogging is not a downside for mobile blogging. Nor having short battery life nor limited gadget features. If you don't have the hardware, Mobile blogging just doesn't exist for you.

I originally wrote this entry using my phone while on the bus earlier today. However, the publishing was interrupted by the one and only dreaded downside of mobile blogging. The ERROR screen (or any screen display that says that you have just been disconnected, had connection errors, the page you requested is unavailable, or the like). When that happens, everything that you have painstakingly typed using your cellphone keypad or that tiny QWERTY keyboard is gone for good. Unless you made use a software similar to Notepad then you're still good to go.

It goes without saying that with mobile blogging, it is best that your mobile phone (or any mobile gadget you use for blogging) be equipped with a note taking software. If not, you can always use the text feature (SMS, MMS) of your mobile phone. This would serve as your back up just in case an error in connection would occur.

If in case you still don't have any of the above mentioned, you can always use a voice recorder or good old pen and paper. Then encode your blog once you get a better signal or to an actual computer terminal. However, both of them are still prone to time-elapsed editions. At least you still have your original idea in tact.

As for this blog post, it has already endured 12 hours of time-elapsed edition with no voice recording or pen and paper. I can't even remember some of the lines I originally planned on putting in. Anyway, a post is a post is a post.

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N.B. Don't get me wrong. Connection errors also happen even if you're not on mobile blogging but it doesn't happen as often. Plus, there are tons of word processing software to use as back-ups.

My Umbrella... Ella... Ella... Ella

2010-07-26T21:37:00.002+08:00

This is a short story about my wonderful umbrella.

I know that talking about a not-so-ordinary, inanimate object is not one of my biggest ideas, but I just love my umbrella. It looks like an ordinary umbrella because it is. The special thing about it is that it absolutely repels water. I don't know about other liquids though. No matter how strong the rain is, just give it a little shake and it's dry.

I bought my umbrella just before the onslaught of Basyang. That would be week or so ago. On that really cloudy day, I wasn't able to bring an umbrella to work simply because I didn't have one. When I got out of the house, there was no rain, it was just cloudy. Half-way to work, it started to drizzle. No challenge there. It was still early so I had my lunch at the mall. (Yes, Lunch. I went to work really late.) When it was time to head to work, it was raining. I decided to wait for the rain to stop but it didn't. I was forced to buy myself an umbrella at the mall. So I bought one. It's water repelling properties great.

I thought it was so at first, since it was new. Next time I used it. It was still repelling water like the big leaf that repels water. I forgot what leaf that is. Then again and again and again.

Earlier this evening on my way home, my umbrella was again tested. Up to now it still amazes me. I got home, and it's even more dry than I am.

Back when I bought it, I thought it was a waste. Now, I'm thinking, it was well worth the 300+ I paid for. So well worth it.

There you have it. A story about a not-so-ordinary, inanimate object that most of you may find... Ordinary.

Star Craft II: Wings of Liberty

2010-07-25T20:26:00.005+08:00

A few days ago, I posted the first Star Craft II TV Commercial. The actual release date for the game is in a couple of days, 27 July 2010; 12 years since the first StarCraft game.

Of course many of you already know about the numerous new things about the game like the physics engine, the backgrounds, new buildings, new abilities, and the new units. For the benefit of those who don't know, here are a few of the new units and a very brief description. I will not be going into details though.

New Units for the Zerg. I had to put these guys on the top because for the many times that I have checked the site for their new units, The Zerg were the last to have a complete list.

> Queen - It's not new. It only has a different look. One thing, it no longer flies.

> Baneling - An explosive evolved form of the Zergling.

> Overseer - Evolved Overlord.

> Roach - A quick regenerating, acid spitting slug.

> Infestor - Parasite carriers. Temporarily controls bios.

> Corruptor - Like the infestor, but permanently controls mechs.

> Nydus Worm - They're like a cross between a Nydus Canal and the Sandworms of Dune.

> Brood Lord - Zerg air strike units. Much like the old Guardians.

New Units for the Protoss. Now with stronger shields. At least I think they do.

> Stalker - Much like the Dragoon but can teleport.

> Sentry - Shield generator, illusion generator. Very useful.

> Immortal - Upgraded Dragoons.

> Warp Prism - Transporter and mobile Pylon in one.

> Colossus - A towering robot.

> Phoenix - Replaces the Scouts and Corsairs.

> Void Ray - Like a smaller version of the Empire's Deathstar.

> Mothership - Now this is a Deathstar.

New Terran Units. Meh... They're still pretty human.

> Marauder - Upgraded Firebat.

> Reaper - More like a Marine with jetpacks.

> Hellion - Replaces the Vulture.

> Thor - A big ass unit. Only unit built outside a Factory.

> Viking - Much like the Striker VX/Chopper VX from Red Alert 3.

> Medivac - A Medic and Dropship all in one.

> Raven - Replaces the Science Vessel.

> Banshee - Terran air strike vehicle.

Of course, there are also new buildings, new looks to old units (like the Zerg Queen), and new characters especially for the Terrans. But I'll just leave the game to introduce them to you. I still am waiting for the Protoss-Zerg hybrid that the expansion Brood War hinted on way back when.

RIP OneManga

2010-07-23T21:20:00.002+08:00

Timing is everything. When I was just about to do a blog about mangas, this happened. Last night I visited OneManga (OM) and what I read shocked me. Well, maybe shocked is too much of a word. OneManga is a site where I get to read my favorite manga. It's just unfortunate that they have to shut down their manga scan services. This is part of what I read:

"There is an end to everything, to good things as well."

It pains me to announce that this is the last week of manga reading on One Manga (!!). Manga publishers have recently changed their stance on manga scanlations and made it clear that they no longer approve of it. We have decided to abide by their wishes, and remove all manga content (regardless of licensing status) from the site. The removal of content will happen gradually (so you can at least finish some of the outstanding reading you have), but we expect all content to be gone by early next week (RIP OM July 2010).

So what next? We're not really sure at this point, but we have some ideas we would like to try out. Until then, the One Manga forums will remain active and we encourage all of you to continue using them. OMF has developed into a great community and it would be a shame to see that disappear.

Regardless of whether you stay with us or not, on behalf of the One Manga team, I would like to thank you all for your unwavering support over the years. Through the ups and downs you have stuck with us, and that is what kept us going.

As a certain Porky was fond of saying... That's all folks!

So goodbye to OneManga. It's just sad.

Now to look for a different site.

Eau! Mizu!! Agua!!! Tubig!!!!

2010-07-21T04:50:00.004+08:00

I remember the last time when the lights went out, candles blazing. Now, water.

Yesterday, the water supply to the area I'm living in got cut. Most likely without any warning or any announcement. Every one in our area didn't know until the supply was cut. I got up pretty early for work so I was still able to do my morning rituals that included water; bath, tooth brushing, and other stuff.

When I got home from work, EGAD! No water. My landlady told me that there was no water supply since morning. Made me thankful that I get up early. Unfortunately,no one knew when the supply was coming back. I wondered why the supply was cut. They say it was because the dam's (supplying our area) water lever was getting low. Just now? When there have been two weeks worth of heavy rains, now of all times? When El Nino was here, the supply wasn't that bad. I guess they just messed something up and are just too embarrassed to admit it.

Anyway. As sticky as I was, (having been to work at a place where inevitable, one would get sticky) I was in dire need of a shower. I decided to check myself in one of the hourly-rate hotels for six hours. Since I got home at 9 o'clock in the evening, I got to the place at around 10. For six hours, I'd be there long enough for a shower, a good night's sleep in an AC room (for the longest time, I was able to watch TV) and another shower before heading back home and get ready for work. All that for just Php 200+. Not bad.

Now for this day. Water supply is back. But just to be sure, I saved up enough water; two days worth. This time I'm ready.

My Top Ten Favorite Movies (to date of course) part 2

2010-07-19T20:49:00.002+08:00

This is the second part of my Top 10 favorite movie list.

5. The Boondock Saints. A 1999 crime film. This is about two Irish brothers who accidentally killed a few members of a Russian Mob. After some time, they decided to kill all the wrong doers of Boston. However, they pray over those who they kill or killed. A sequel, The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, was released ten years after. 'In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.'

4. Gorgeous (a.k.a. Maximum Risk in other regions). This is a love story that came out in 1999. Oddly enough, this is Jackie Chan's first full length love story movie. This also stars Shu Qi as his love interest.

3. Crying Freeman. An assassin film released in 1995. It is based on a manga (and an anime adaptation)with the same title. It stars Mark Dacascos as Yoh, the Freeman, an assassin for a secret society called The Sons of the Dragons. Every time he kills, though he does not show any emotion, he sheds tears.

2. Nausica of the Valley of the Wind (Kaze no Tani no Naushika). This is a post-apocalyptic anime film released in 1984. The movie's main concern (and as far as I am concerned) is about the planet's ecological balance. Once disturbed, the consequences are tremendous. Also, this is the very first anime movie that I have seen.

1. Leon: The Professional. This is a hitman movie that came out in 1994. This film starred Jean Reno and a young Natalie Protman. Reno plays a hitman (or a 'cleaner') that takes care of Natalie's character after her family is killed by a corrupt DEA agent.

There you have it. My top ten favorite movies to date. I wonder if some of you would agree to my list.

Shiny Pants

2010-07-19T08:39:00.003+08:00

There is this girl from work. I wouldn't call her an office mate or a co-worker. I would assume she works for a different department because she works in an entirely different building as I do.

Now. You might ask why I would write something about her. Is it because of her looks? No. Don't get me wrong, she's a looker. It's because of her pants. Yes, her pants. Each day at the bus stop she comes around wearing her shiny... uhm... glossy pants. The pants have this certain sheen to them. The pants come in different shades, too. Which makes me wonder. Does she have a set of these pants? Probably. How could she have one for each day if she haven't?

Today, however, she wasn't wearing her usual shiny, glossy pants. That's why I noticed. I must've been very observant this morning to notice it. But then again, it is a very noticeable distinction.

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

2010-07-18T12:06:00.008+08:00

I just finished watching the first episode of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, the latest series of the Gundam franchise. It was a long episode. Almost an hour long. Like most of the Gundam stories, it's all about war.

The story takes place after the events of Mobile Suit Gundam and before Mobile Suit Gundam F91. That goes without saying that all three belong to the same timeline. Yes, there are NewTypes, Funnels, the Zeon, etc. The main protagonist is a young man named Banagher Links, and pilots the Unicorn Gundam (RX-0 Unicorn).

What's unique about the Unicorn is that it's pure white, unlike the other main Gundams with white, blue, red, and yellow schemes. The Unicorn, however, displays a a yellow and bit of red glow when it enters its NT-D mode (something like the Trans-Am mode in Gundam 00). Even with its plain colors, the MS looks awesome.

RX-0 Unicorn Gundam

RX-0 Unicorn Gundam NT-D Mode

Watch a video of the trailer for Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn below.

If there are problems with the video, click here.

I hope the Gundam fans enjoy watching the series as much as I did (at least for the first episode).

My Top Ten Favorite Movies (to date of course) part 1

2010-07-18T09:31:00.002+08:00

Here is a Top Ten list of my favorite movies (to date of course). It might take a while to change the whole list since most of them came out more than a decade ago. Some of you may not agree with the list. I understand. We do have different tastes and preferences.

10. Speed. An appropriate title. The movie came out in 1994. It starred Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, and Sandra Bullock. There are very few movies with almost non-stop action and this is one of them. The sequel, Speed 2: Cruise Control came out in 1997 but the boat ride wasn't as exciting as the bus ride.

9. Bad Boys. This is an action film that was released in 1995. It stars Martin Lawrence as Marcus Burnett, a married, straight edge Miami-Dade cop; Will Smith as Mike Lowrey, a rich boy Miami-Dade cop that doubles as a chic magnet; and Tea Leoni as Julie Mott, a witness to an execution. A sequel, Bad Boys II, came out in 2004. Though the main antagonist of the sequel died with a land mine blowing up on his face, I still liked the first movie better.

8. Pitch Black. This is a science fiction, survival horror film that came out in 2000. This is the only film in this list that came out in the 2000's. It stars Vin Diesel as Richard B. Riddick, a very dangerous criminal who can see in pitch black darkness. A sequel and an animated movie came out in 2004; The Chronicles of Riddick and The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury respectively. Unfortunately, the sequel became more science fiction fantasy and lost its appeal.

7. The Transformers: The Movie. I'm talking about the animated movie way back in 1986 not the Michael Bay films. Sure, Optimus Prime sounds right but the animated movie had a lot more Transformers and lesser humans.

6. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. This is Kevin Costner's portrayal of the prince of thieves. The movie came out in 1991. Believe me, I watched this over and over back then that I almost memorized the dialogues. Hence, I consider this one of my favorites.

Second half of the list comes out on the next post.

Twenty Years Ago...

2010-07-16T21:26:00.003+08:00

It was 20 years ago today that the earth shook from under me.

It was a sunny afternoon. The sky was almost clear except for a few clouds. Classes were over early. I believe we were one of the few schools that didn't follow day light savings time.

I suddenly stood up from the porch when the earth started to shake. Weak at first but it intensified. It was so strong that I heard the shelves crashing down from the school library. The ground was shaking so vigorously that I had difficulty standing up. I heard distant screams. I saw Hyatt Terraces Baguio crash down. In a way, it was awesome.

When the tremors stopped, we headed home. There was devastation along the way. The smell of debris, smoke, and death was in the air.

Many died that day. Some survived. It was probably because of fate or luck. Either way, I was one of those who did. And I have been surviving since then.

If It's Jester's Time, It's Jester's Time

2010-07-14T20:26:00.003+08:00

I may have delved into the possibilities of parallel worlds. Where different worlds are created due to different choices. Since there have been many choices, almost infinite, then there are infinite number of parallel worlds. However, there is a finite number of worlds that would coincide with certain conditions. Pardon me if i have confused you a little bit.

Let me get straight to the point. The recent typhoon, Basyang (as in Lola Basyang, at least i think so) came not with heavy rains but with strong winds. That was just last night. The winds were howling. I even heard stories of some co-workers whose homes have been de-roofed (did i just coin that word?). Early this morning, i saw the damages. Billboards, trees, and posts were damaged. Thus, the Luzon-wide blackout.

Again, to the point where the typhoon and the parallel worlds meet. I wonder how many ME's no longer exist in the other parallel worlds because of the typhoon. I may never know.

At around thirty minutes after midnight the lights went out. It didn't really bother me because it was a bit cool. But it was too dark and the wind was howling. I got up and lit up a candle, placed it on a plastic holder and placed it on a wooden stool near my bed. I tried going back to sleep but I couldn't because I was sweating a little bit. Yet, I closed my eyes in the hope that i may fall asleep. I occasionally do but keep waking up every fifteen minutes or so. Until at last, I did fall asleep. I woke up at 4AM and saw the plastic candle holder aflame; on a wooden stool and a bottle of alcohol just beside it. For some reason I didn't panic and blew out the flame. I couldn't go back to sleep again.

Then I thought to myself, "What if I didn't wake up to blow out the flame?" The possibilities are many. It could have been disastrous. But fortunately for this world's ME, it was all well.

Now, I wonder how many ME's survived the night...

Crimson Rain (deux)

2010-07-05T21:24:00.007+08:00

The bloodstained letter remained in his possession; a reminder of his once cherished love, a love gone but not forgotten. Remembering the past was all that's left for him to do. With the stains of the pain still lingering, he took the bloodstained letter and stared at the portion where his beloved's name used to be. He didn't know his beloved anymore.

He could only recall the blissful times he had with her. He found it strange that he could not remember her face.

Why?

He stands at his doorstep staring at his shack, still damaged from the storm on that sad day. Fixing it would do no good. It might even do more harm. He only looks at it now.

He clenched his fist, crumpling the bloodstained letter as he looked up the sky. Dark clouds formed. The crack of thunder didn't make him flinch. The rain poured down as strong as that faithful day. The wind began to blow. Stretching his clenched fist to the wind, he stared blankly beyond his fist. Slowly, he let go of the bloodstained letter from his grip as the wind blew it away from him. A metaphor of a love that was blown away by sorrow.

With the bloodstained letter out of his sight, he enters his house. Never to be seen or heard from again.

Broke on a Sunday

2010-07-04T11:38:00.003+08:00

It's a slow Sunday morning. The excitement from last month has pretty much died down. Again, I stare at nothing. There is nothing to do and I'm pretty much broke. Being broke blows. I can't go out and see a movie or eat out. All I have with me now is my trusty net book and a can of liver spread. Yes, that's how it is today. Liver spread.

I browsed through my old files and old notes and saw a few things worthy of posting. One of which will be at the IONean blog. I also saw a few pictures worthy of slideshowdom (I just invented that word) or at least archiving for future slideshow purposes. If you must know, they're food pictures.

When all things fail, I still have my 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' re-runs and Marvel's 'Secret Invasion' I've been meaning to finish. I might fall asleep with that one. I liked Marvel Zombies better.

Anyway. It's still a long way until the day ends. So good luck to me.

How are Villains Made

2010-07-03T16:56:00.005+08:00

In the fantasy world, be it comic book, game, anime, or movie, there are villains. Most of these villains start off as good folk pushed to the ends of their morals by those who they thought were their allies. Of course, some of them are born villains.

However, in the real world, that is not the case. As human beings, we believe that every man is in essense, good. We are all born good, with the capacity to do evil. And our evil tencdencies are triggered by other's evil deeds, usually by someone trusted.

Let's take the example of the Green Goblin for the movie Spider-Man. At the start of the movie, he is, in a way, a good man. He does, however, attend to his work most of the time. Then the board members of the company that he built opted to take him out of the picture. He then takes his 'super soldier formula' and uses it on himself. Thus, transforming him into the Green Goblin. Of course, the comic book story is different but you get the idea.

So do be carefull with how you treat others. You might be planting the seed of hate and turn someone into a villain.

Sickening Shoal

2010-06-29T21:40:00.004+08:00

I've been playing Magic the Gathering for quite some time but I stopped updating my decks since maybe a two or three years ago. The Ravnica block was the last block I ever meddled with. My favorite block would be the Kamigawa block because of its Japanese theme. The card I'm about to review is from the Kamigawa block.

I have made a review for a MTG* card before but it got deleted with my old account. By the way, I'll be leaving some notes for those who have never played or heard of the game before, that is if you're still reading this far. Let's start my review of the Sickening Shoal.

Sickening Shoal is a rare, black, instant-arcane card with a casting cost of XBB**. This is what the spell can do: You may exile*** a black card with converted mana cost X from your hand rather than paying Sickening Shoals Mana cost. Target creature gets -X/-X until end of turn.

What I like best about this card is its alternative casting cost. Besides being an instant**** card, this gives a surprise to the opponent when you're tapped out^. Also you can include cards with high casting costs to your deck as payment to casting this card which you can also use latter on in the duel if it lasts long enough. The next thing I like about this card is that it can take out the indestructible^^ creatures by just making them disappear. With enough mana (or the right black card), it can even make a Darksteel Colossus^^^ disappear. But a different card^^^^ is better suited for Darksteel Colossus disposals. Yet still.

As a black and blue color user, I personnaly like this card and have it placed permanently on one of my black decks.

----------

* Magic the Gathering
** X is any color of mana cost BB is two black mana
*** To remove the card from the game (The original printing didn't say exile, as seen on the picture)
**** It can be played anytime even if it's not your turn
^ All mana sources are tapped out
^^ Those that cannot be destroyed by damage or destruction spells.
^^^ Let's just say it's a big creature and it's indestructible
^^^^ That card would be Eradicate

Bitch Slap

2010-06-27T07:27:00.003+08:00

Another boring moment lead me to watch a movie that has been on my hard drive for a very long time now. Today, I'll be reviewing the movie, Bitch Slap. This movie starred Julia Voth, Erin Cummings, and America Olivo as three women out to get a massive loot from an underworld kingpin. There were a lot of close-up cleavage shots and Playboy-like takes. Take them all out and you might have a thirty-minute long movie with a story so bad you'd want to throw something at your expensive home entertainment system. However, I'd commend the writers for the attempt in twists.

Low down reviews. Visuals. For some of the scenes, it had the feel of Sin City in color. The close-up cleavage shots, the 'water fight', and more cleavage shots gave the visual department the edge they wanted, at least for those who don't get tired of looking at breasts. The explosions were bad. The violence was bad. Make-up was bad. The acting was bad (sorry Hercules). Story. Like I said, the story was so bad that the boob-shots compensated for it. Recommendations. Don't even think about it. Well, I guess the curious would want to watch it. But trust me, if you're a movie lover, don't see this, don't get the DVD, don't even see it on cable. Well, I guess you can see it on cable coz you can always flip the channels. In the name of the tomato rating system, I give this movie seventeen tomatoes, and a ball of cabbage, and some carrots. Heck, I'm throwing in the whole salad bowl.

Star Craft II First TV Commercial

2010-06-23T17:49:00.001+08:00

"Make no mistake. War is coming. With all its glory and all its horror."

The wait is over. Now that's an understatement. After a very, very, very long time, the sequel to Star Craft is coming out on the 27th of July 2010. I am definitely getting myself a new machine for this game.

Check out the quick TV commercial below.

(If the video doesn't satisfy you, click here.)

So to all Star Craft fans out there, Let's hope this game delivers. Let's hope it's all worth the long wait..

Hot Tub Time Machine

2010-06-22T21:28:00.000+08:00

I was bored and I had nothing to do and out of curiosity, I watched this movie. And it did fill my need for entertainment. This movie stars John Cusack (after 2012, this is what he makes), Clark Duke, Rob Corddry, and Craig Robinson. It's a story about three friends who are not doing well during their adult lives. After one attempts to take his life by carbon monoxide poisoning, they all decide to relive their most memorable time at Kodiak Valley Ski Resort. While relaxing in a bathtub, they wake up in 1986. The rest of the story, find out by watching it.

"Maybe the universe will bring us together again," would be my favorite line in this movie.

Lets get down with the low down. Visually, As a comedy, you don't really see much visual effects. Except maybe the hot tub effects and the arm ripping. But that's pretty much it. Story. It's a simple story of time travel and changing your present lives. Recommendations. Do what I did. If you're bored and have nothing to do, watch this movie. It's a good movie to pass the time with. With the tomato rating system, I give it seven tomatoes.

Until next time for my next movie review. Hopefully a double feature.

9th ToyCon Philippines, Video and Slide Show

2010-06-21T20:54:00.000+08:00

My own video and slideshow of the 9th Philippine Toy Convention. Just a walk-around video and a slideshow at the end.

Click here if the video doesn't work.

9th ToyCon Philippines, Day 2

2010-06-20T21:34:00.002+08:00

The 9th Philippine Toys, Hobbies & Collectibles Convention 2010 Is a two-day event that happened on the 19th and 20th of June 2010 at Megatrade Halls 2 and 3 of SM Mega Mall. It featured DC Comics' 75th Anniversary. Thus, most of the games were themed after the DC brand. I'm not really a DC fan but I enjoyed the day's events. I'm more a Marvel guy. (So I copied the first paragraph from day one, big deal. This time, on the picture is the stamp on my right arm.)

Day 2, 20 June 2010.

I went to the convention a little later than day one. I thought with day one's lines, I'd wait for it to go away first before I enter the convention hall. Besides, there's nothing there that I haven't seen yet from day one. When I got to the trade halls' floor, I was wrong. There was no long line. It was pretty much like the situation at the department store.

I went in, and guess who was the first one to greet me. Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers. Well, at this time, he was pretty much the only one in costume. I took a snapshot of him and then I went around the exhibit hall. Still not as bustling as yesterday. Some of the booths weren't even open, yet. There were, however, life size sculptures of super-heroes such as Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, and Thor.

I took some time to browse some CD's from one of the booths. They had a lot of Orange Range (Japanese band) CD's. Most of them were EP's. It made me realize that the Japanese artists released a lot of EP's during their careers.

With lunch time over and many families arrive, plus, it's Father's Day, the event hall started to get a little bit crowded. I found myself gradually, being drowned in a sea of spectators, wanting to take snapshots of the Cosplayers and getting great deals on toys and stuff. All of a sudden, there were a lot of people at the event hall. I couldn't go around as much as I wanted to. I had to go out for more space. So I did, and lo there were still more people outside, and a lot of Cosplayers, too. And look, a couple of familiar characters; The Queen of Hearts (Off with his head!), and Captain Jack Sparrow. Ah, the captain was probably the one who had the most pictures taken on this day. People were following him and having their pictures taken with him.

It was a long day for me. My feet were tired. Even though the event wasn't over, I wanted to go home to rest my feet. But before I left I thought to myself, 'I never had my picture taken at any of these events.' So I decide to have one taken, and I did. I had my picture taken as a Sunflower from the game, Plants VS. Zombies.

Until next year again for the next Toy Convention, or next time for the next event. Whatever that would be. See you.

9th ToyCon Philippines, Day 1

2010-06-19T19:27:00.001+08:00

Day 1, 19 June 2010.

This years convention wasn't as crowded as last year's. I was still able to move around quite well. I have a feeling that this year's turnout is fewer. However, that hasn't stopped me from enjoying my tour for the convention. There were the usual booths of toys, comics, and the like. But there were a few new things that caught my attention. First up are the promo girls. There were promo girls on the previous years but there were a lot more this time around. Second is the display of the various game consoles. Natsukashii, ne? One guy was actually playing Duck Hunt. (This game is old that most of you might not even know it.)

During one of the question and answer games, a couple of high school girls caught my attention. Why? It was not because they were all dressed up for Cosplay. It was because they were like walking encyclopedias of the DC Universe. They knew almost everything about the DC Universe; from the alter egos, to super powers, to events. They know it all. I'm sure some male DC fans had major nergasms.

I watched a couple of bands play. One of them were Rockwell Science. They are an amateur band and they mostly played songs by Judy and Mary (J-Pop Music, man). The other band was Paramita, a famous local rock band. They played three new songs from their upcoming album.

Finally. The sisters Alodia and Ashley were there on the scene. Cosplayers and Otakus of the Philippines know these sisters as celebrities of the Cosplay scene. And of course, photographers of all kinds had a field day with the sisters. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to take some.

To my drooling friends who always wished that they could at least attend once in their lives. Two words, vacation leave. This event always fall on a weekend. C'mon guys.

Another Movie Review

2010-06-17T20:36:00.000+08:00

So it's been a while since the last movie review and there has been a lot of movies since. However, I'll be talking about two movies that I've seen lately. Also, I will be using a rating system that gauges the "suckiness" of the movie. (Yes, that's not really a word). The tomato system; the more tomatoes the movie gets, that’s how it sucked. Maximum of 20 tomatoes. We wouldn't want to waste that much tomatoes.

First up is Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The movie is based on a game of the same title; from the really nifty graphics of 1989 to the HD and handheld consoles of 2010. The main protagonist, Dastan, is played by Bubbleboy went Darko to Brokeback actor, Jake Gyllenhaal. With a number of supporting actors like Doctor Octopus, Io, and The Hood. Looking at the story as a whole, it humbles the image of Persia from the movie, 300. With a time-traveling concept that the movies Next, and Goundhog day would be proud of.

Low down. Visually. Yes, it's a good movie for the eyes. I wasn't sure if they used any mattes. The cityscape was neat-o. The sand effects gave an ember feel to the rewind sequences. Story. Some would love the twists of the story but it really doesn't keep one guessing. No one really dies in the end except for The Hood. Recommendations. It's great eye candy for everyone to see in the big screen. I'd give it four tomatoes for failing to surprise me.

Next up is The A-Team. It's a remake of the old TV series of the same title. Of course, the original actors are no longer the one portraying the roles seeing that the series aired in the 80's. Still taking the premise that the A-Team is blamed for a crime that they didn't commit, they do what has to be done to get the job done. It's nice how the words 'PITY' and 'FOOL' are tattooed on BA's knuckles. This movie gave me a few surprises and the stating-the-plan-while-it-happens gave a Mission: Impossible feel to it. In two words, the movie is bad ass. You gotta love the way Baracus bench pressed, and slammed Pike head first.

Low down. Visually. This is not an eye candy movie but the explosions, explosions, and explosions would keep the action movie fan wanting more. Did I mention there were explosions? The effects on some of the more improbable moments do need a little more work. They tend to make the movie look a little bit like a super hero movie. Story. The planning-before-strike took a little suspense away from the movie. But then again, a good action movie doesn't need suspense. Recommendations. It's a good movie for the action movie goers with its fast paced, almost non-stop action. It's nice to see it on the big screen but its just fine to see it on your home entertainment system. I'd give it four tomatoes.

There it is. My first movie review in a long while using the tomato system rating.

Keep throwing those tomatoes.

Purely Canned Thoughts

2010-06-14T19:12:00.000+08:00

Life. It's such an amazing thing. Is it a thing by the way? Just imagine, you are the sole survivor from millions of sperm trying to get to the egg. Survival of the fittest, where the strongest is often the simplest. Being the sole survivor of that ordeal is reason enough to know that you are worthy of what you are and what you have now; they may be power or servitude, riches or knowledge, or anything.

Some of us think that the world revolves around just one person, whether others or ourselves. But of course we know that our lives are entangled webs. One person's action can cause another man's demise or fortune no matter how far apart they may be. If this is so, then my actions now can affect someone; somewhere or sometime.

Isn't it amazing how two complete strangers meet and end up together for the rest of their lives? It's amazing how they find each other in one vast ocean of people? Isn't it dreadful to know that the person you most hold dear is the one that would hurt you the most? Isn't it terrifying to know that someday, one person's actions could cause your ultimate end?

To each person is a purpose. To each event is a purpose. There is a reason for everything, may it be divine or unholy. There is a reason why you are reading this right now. It might be to save you or hurt you in the long run. Let us say that as you read this, you do not notice the time. All of a sudden you notice that you are already late then it follows that you already missed your usual ride. Many things may happen. It is possible that your usual ride met an accident and thanks to reading this you were spared. It is also possible that since you are late, you take another ride and your ride meets the accident. It scares you to know that reading this may cause you harm. Interesting, isn't it? How a small drop of water can cause a big tidal wave.

Do you know what your purpose is? Do you know the reason why you were born on this earth? Are you placed here to help others? Or are you here to bring upon the destruction of man? Nobody knows what his or her purpose really is. Those people that have done great things chose to do great things. Your purpose is not set for you. It is not predestined. You make it. You choose your purpose and you decide to make it happen. You decide if you want to become that drop of water.

Great things need not be defined as good or evil. Good or otherwise, a great thing is a great thing. But what is good and what is evil? Without evil, will there be good? It seems that one cannot exist without the other, or neither really exists. To many, a lesser evil seems good when compared to a greater evil. So, do many say that the lesser evil is good? If so, then evil is food (good). If one equals the other, neither will exist.

There are many questions in life that remain unanswered. They remain as such because they are not meant to be answered at all. They are there for us to know what our purpose really is. The biggest question is not about life but life itself. What is the real meaning of life? Is it purpose? Some say you know the answer to a question when you no longer need the answer. Will we know the meaning of life when we die? We'll just have to wait and see.

Life and death. Is there really life after death? Our faith leads us to believe that there is such; that there is or are beings higher than us that created us. He may be God, Allah, Bathala, Kami-sama, Shiva, Vishnu, Zeus, Jupiter, Odin or called by any other name. Many of us believe in this supreme being but of course there are those who do not. To know whether there is really life after death is to believe in it. Believing in your chosen faith will lead you to the answer you seek. But know this, belief is different from what may be the truth.

I guess now there are more questions you are asking yourself that you have before. I didn't write this to answer your questions or to satisfy your inquisitive mind. I wrote this to convey what I think. I wrote this so that I may be the one whose questions be answered but I guess my efforts are to no avail. Time draws nigh and someday we will all get our answers and to all things, an ending.

Mortal Kombat "Rebirth"

2010-06-13T17:40:00.000+08:00

Mortal Kombat. This has got to be my favorite fighting game of all time. Sure Street Fighter and Tekken are way better in terms of the visual aspect. But I like Mortal Kombat simply because of what happens at every end of the battle; the finishing move. Yes, the dizziness of the character happens at the end of the bout and not during the fight giving the winner a chance to "Finish Him!"

I know a lot of people have different views about the game like "Its too violent." Or "The game went downhill after MK4." Sure it did, I know. I played the games up until Armageddon. Frankly, I didn't like the way they had the Kreate a Fatality. It took away the individuality of each character. But I did enjoy the Motor Kombat mini game just to pass the time.

Now, for the reason of this post. While I was surfing the web, I happen to stumble upon a video of Mortal Kombat. And to tell you the truth, I think the video was sick in a kick ass kind of way. Entirely new backgrounds for the characters. This may be a video for a new game, or a new movie, or maybe even just something made just for fun (but I doubt it's just for fun considering the actors). Whatever it's for, be the end result a flop or a great, I find this video totally kick ass.

Scorpion rules!

Click here if you're not satisfied with the video. The video is in HD and the screen is kindda cut at the right side.

Spencer Day

2010-06-13T08:58:00.000+08:00

I was just recently introduced to Spencer Day's music about a few days ago and I loved it. For the easy-listening junkies like myself, (I know, I know, I listen to other music types, too) you'll find his music quite relaxing. His music style is a nice blend of the smooth sounds of jazz, soul, pop, beep bop, and doo-wop. He has a smooth baritone voice that makes the listeners lose themselves in a trance. And I hear he plays his own pianos, too.

His music reminded me of Del Shannon, and Bobby Caldwell. I said his music reminded me, I didn't say they sounded alike. I know their music is old, I guess I like the oldies that much.

Here's a video of his live performance at the Napa Valley Opera House singing 'Till You Come Back Again." See for yourself and enjoy.

If the video doesn't work, click here.

Crimson Rain

2010-06-08T14:17:00.001+08:00

T'was a sunny day when Miguel went out of his den he called a dungeon. Not a cloud in the sky. He said to himself, 'Tis a a wonderful day this is.' As he walked to a run down shack he called his workplace.

As he was going about his business, he heard a knock on the door. 'Who is there?' he asked.

'Thou hast post, sir,' said the voice from outside.

'A letter for me?' he thought. 'From who I wonder.' He opened the door, took the letter, and nodded a thank you at the post bearer.

'Tis from my beloved,' he said with delight. He opened the letter and started reading.

'My beloved Miguel,

'How has my beloved been doing these past weeks? As for me I have been doing well with my academics. The letters you've sent me was all I needed to keep my spirits up and about.

'I am glad,' Miguel thought as he pulled up a chair and sat. He continued reading.

'The other day, I had our favorite dish for lunch. The oriental noodles that you love so much. T'was wonderful. It reminded me of the times when we had lunches together. Not just lunches, every meal.

Miguel placed the letter on his desk and stood up. He looked out the window and gazed upon a cloudless sky. 'The day shares with my mirth,' he said. He opened every window and breathed deeply. He went over to his desk and cotinued reading by the window.

'Do you remember the time when we first met? You hit a lamp post while you were walking because you couldn't take your eyes off me. I had to keep myself from laughing.

Miguel felt a little breeze fpon his neck. Clouds were starting to show. He went and sat on the chair he was sitting on earlier.

'These past few days, I have been lost in thought. I have been wondering about the life I could have given you if not for my being far from you. I am sorry, my beloved.

A sudden gust blew and shut a window shattering the window pane. With a sigh, he stood up and picked up a piece of glass. He stared at the broken glass and threw it back on the floor. He continued reading.

'I have to go away for a while and shall continue my academics elsewhere. I can not bear the thought of you not with me. Everything here reminds me of you. I wish I could read more of your letters. I wish we could eat more meals together. I wish we could still laugh together.

'To you my beloved, I bid you farewell.

As Miguel read the last word from his beloved's letter, rain began to pour. He could no longer read his belove's name for the paper absorbed blood and blotted his beloved's name. He didn't notice his finger was cut by the shard he picked up and threw away.

The rain seemed endless as Miguel held onto his beloved's letter until it was completely stained with blood.

Rubber Candy

2010-06-07T23:44:00.000+08:00

This afternoon, while I was taking a break at a convenience store at Ortigas, i saw something that was both funny and cute.

There was this family that went inside the convinence store; Daddy, Mommy, and Junior. Mommy went around to find something the family wanted while Daddy and Junior waited for Mommy by some of the stands.

Daddy and Junior happened to be standing near the stand where the condoms are displayed. Junior took a brand of condom. He probably read the label that said "Orange" and asked Daddy, "Is this candy?"

With a smile, Daddy said, "Yes, it is. Go give it to Mommy." At this point, i wanted to laugh but I just held it in. When Junior gave Mommy the condom, Mommy looked at Daddy with a naughty glare. Junior had no idea he was being made fun of. Of course he didn't mind.

Daddy returned the condom on the stand but Junior took another condom brand and asked again. "How about this? Is this candy?"

Norte Fiesta

2010-02-05T10:56:00.000+08:00

My trip to the Ilocos provinces this time around was quite eventful. Laoag and Vigan were having their city fiestas. With fiestas come events. And events come political personalities; political personalities like Edu Manzano and Gibo Teodoro; and entertainment personalities like the bands Paraluman, Pedicab, and Calalily.

On the night I arrived at Laoag City was the night of the Gimikada free concert. I was able to watch Paraluman, Pedicab, and Calalily not with the crowd, not on front row, but closer; backstage. Before the the three main bands and after the opening bands, Edu Manzano made an appearance and gave the crowd his 'Game ka na ba?' Every night for the whole month of February, there are scheduled activities for the townspeople and tourists.

This is also the first time I stayed at Laoag Renzo Hotel. For those who would like to know about this hotel, I have the details at the end of this entry. I had the standard room and to my surprise, it had a personal refrigerator. I thought I had the wrong room so I asked the front desk and they said all rooms have refrigerators. Neat-o!

Before going to Vigan, I had a little unexpected tour of Paoay, where the Malacanang of the North is located, and Batac, the hometown of Ferdinand Marcos.

Malacanang of the North is located in Paoay. It has a nice view of Paoay Lake. This lake is said to be constantly rising. According to the stories, long ago, there used to be a barangay where the lake is and in the middle, a church. Of course, all of it is now under water.

The Marcos residence at Batac has Ferdinand Marcos' old things; his old desk, license plates, notes from exile, that little wooden hammer they use in the senate, etc. Of course, Marcos' mausoleum is open for everyone to see. Picture taking is not allowed where the remains are housed.

Sirens were coming from the distance. A convoy went into Marcos' compound. It was the visiting convoy of presidential candidate, Gibo Teodoro. He visited Marcos' mausoleum and shook some hands.

Before leaving Batac, we had a little snack that I treated as my lunch; Miki. Batac has another specialy; the empanada. The empanada here is a lot different from the usual empanada that you can buy in Metro Manila or along the way to the southern provinces of Laguna, Batangas, or Quezon. The empanada here is quite heavy stomach-wise. The empanada itself is bigger that the empanada that I'm used to; maybe two and a half times bigger, or more. And the ingredients are packed; eggs, monggo, shredded papaya, and who knows what else. I sure don't know what else.

Onwards to Vigan for my official business. And no, I didn't do any touring of Vigan or its nearby towns. As far as I was concerned, I had enough touring for the day. Besides, there's always a next time.

Laoag Renzo Hotel Contact numbers:
0908-214-4488
(077) 770-4898
(077) 770-5288

They offer corporate discounts.

San Juanico

2009-11-24T16:16:00.000+08:00

Giving the title of 'Samar' or 'Leyte' wouldn't be fair since it's my first time to got to both places. San Juanico, the name of the longest bridge in the Philippines and the bridge joining the two islands would be a more fitting title.

First stop, Tacloban.

I was seated at the starboard side of the plane; window seat. The view must have been great. The wing was blocking most of the view below. When the plane was on its final decent, there was the usual announcements by the pilot and the flight crew. When the plane was aligned to the runway (or so I thought because it was getting lower faster and was going straight), I noticed something. Are we going to land on the water? Lower and lower the plane went but all I see is sea on my side of the plane. But when I looked at the windows one the port side, land. Then I figured, the runway must be very close to the sea, and it was. Nice view. But I wasn't able to take a picture, because the camera was deep inside the bowels of my bag.

I stayed at a Luxury Suite. It is located along P. Burgos, just above Gerry's Grill. Their room rates ranges from Php 650 to Php 1000 a night for single pax. All the rooms have the amenities that usually look for; it's air conditioned, it has hot and cold shower, towels, soap, and cable TV. Plus, it has WiFi, and if you don't like to use WiFi, they have computer terminals for your use, absolutely free. I took the suite room and that costs Php 1000. It was the only room available within my budget. It had one matrimonial bed and one single bed. I thought to myself, 'the single bed must be for the bodyguard.'

For dinner, the hotel clerk recommended I try SUNzi Bar. It was walking distance from the hotel. It was a Spanish themed restaurant. It was a small place. I counted around 12, 1.5'x2.5' tables. I thought the tables were quite small. How would a family or a group of friends eat here. Only after my meal arrived (that was after a good 15 minutes) that the restaurant was more of a date place. And the small tables offered a little bit of intimacy between the dating couples. Besides the fact that I was the loner in the restaurant, the food was great.

Off to Calbayog.

From Tacloban to Calbayog, one must definitely cross the longest bridge in the Philippines, the San Juanico bridge. It was built during the reign of Ferdinand Marcos and it's foundations were believed to have the blood of sacrificed children but, that's just urban legend. The bridge would have been easier to construct if it went straight from Samar to Leyte. Instead, it is somewhat shaped like an 'S' and 'L', the first letters of the names of the islands it joins. And yes, I took pictures of this momentous event.

I stayed at the I's Plant Hotel and Restaurant, a highly recommended place. Their room rates ranges from Php 750 to Php 1050 a night for single pax. The amenities are the same as Luxury except the computer terminals and the WiFi is only available at the restaurant but that's not really a problem. There, you can eat and do your on-line business altogether.

Now for the low down for both places.

Where to sleep: As stated above; Luxury Suites for Tacloban and I's Plant for Calbayog.

What to eat: Like any Visayan Island, Seafood.

Where to go: San Juanico bridge. It's not like you'll miss it if you to both places.

Mode of transport: The main mode of transport within both cities are the ever famous, tricycles. Going in between cities, you have buses and vans. It is, however, recommended that you take the van for security reasons. There are other forms of transport such as the pedicab (bicycle with the sidecar), the PUJ (if you wish to go to nearby towns), the helicopter (not the flying one but a motorcycle with a roof), and calesa (some places have it).

Palawan Before the Year Ends

2009-11-10T19:30:00.000+08:00

Almost seven months have passed since the last time I came here to Puerto Princesa. The first thing I've noticed when I got off the plane was the welcoming band. Yes, there was a marching band (but they weren't marching) at the tarmac to greet the deplaning folks. That included me. On my way to my destination, I noticed very little changes to the largest city (in terms of land area) of the Philippines; almost none. The weather was fine; it wasn't too hot, nor cold, nor humid. But the sun's rays were stinging my skin.

I stayed in the same hotel, RAQ (may be considered an ad), but this time, not in one of their cottages. Instead, I had a room on the top floor of the main building, third floor. The buildings here to go over five floors (at least I haven't seen one over five). I'm wishing I should have taken one of their cottages. They were fully booked so I couldn't.

I had lunch at a restaurant that serves local-specialty noodles that the locals call 'Chowlong.' It's homemade noodles in soup (I have no idea what kind of soup) with your choice of beef, chicken, or pork. Some calamansi, and bean sprouts are served separately in case you would like to add them to the bunch. The noodles are think and a bit transparent like 'udon.' This is usually paired with toasted garlic bread. One serving fills you up real good.

Night time. On my way to the hotel, there was a bit of a traffic jam. I thought there was no such thing in Palawan but I guess traffic jams are everywhere.

Hotel room. Tired. But there's no rest for the wicked. I still have some cable TV watching to do. One of the few things I enjoy when I go out of town.

This is just one day. Next time I come here I'm extending my stay and go places.

Now for the low down:

Where to sleep: Puerto Princesa has a lot of hotels to choose from. Just be sure to book in advance so that you're sure to have a room. Plus, your hotel of choice picks you up from the airport free of charge. You even get a complimentary drink. At least I did.

What to eat: Seafood! Unfortunately for me, I'm allergic to most type of seafood but not fish.

Where to go: Being a tourist destination, Palawan offers a number of places where a you could go; El Nido, Dos Palmas (Rico Yan's 'death room' is quite famous), the underground rivers. You can also go dolphin watching, firefly watching, tour the city and a lot more. Be sure to check out your travel agent's or hotel's travel package to get discounts.

Mode of transport: Tricycles are the most common mode of transport; the next one would be multicabs. A multicab is a smaller type of jeepney.

District 9

2009-09-30T20:43:00.000+08:00

District 9 is an alien movie done in a very unique way. It's like a mixture of your usual movie, Blaire Witch (since it's an alien movie, Cloverfield), and a documentary.

District 9 is a unique alien movie altogether. Instead of the usual alien movies that we have seen in the past (killer alien, happy alien, benevolent alien, dumb alien, human-eating alien), here we see oppressed aliens. And by who? By humans. Interesting, isn't it? Another interesting one would be the aliens' chosen contact site. It's not the usual US of A, Japan, or Europe. It's Africa. This movie showed the raw human traits of greed, selfishness, arrogance, and the ever present mob mentality. The traits were very well portrayed. The movie didn't have your usual 'faith will save you,' or 'word of honor,' or 'the cavalry arrives just in time.'

The aliens' mother ship hovered and stopped over Johannesburg. They settled below their mother ship and the settlement was called District 9. Two decades have passed and they never left and District 9 turned into a slum. A shanty town. Like the hand-held camera type movie fashion (though the entire movie isn't really shot that way), the end leaves much for the imagination. Lots of possibilities at to what might happen after three years. You might want to watch the movie know the actual events.

This being my first movie review in quite a long time, lets give them ratings. Visuals: 8 out of 10. Well, this pretty much covers CGI, costumes, mattes, etc. Audio: 8 out of 10. Though there were portions of the movie that I didn't hear well but it was mostly the fault of the theater (that would be Robinson's Movie World at Bocolod City).

Past is Past and Now is Just Not That Exciting

2009-08-25T16:04:00.000+08:00

There has been a whole lot of things that I've wanted to write about over the past few days but I never got around to writing them. I was either too busy or too lazy. I haven't even written anything about the second Transformers movie and it's way too late for that now.

The one week airport security. LRT line 1 Monumento Station had an X-Ray machine and a couple of metal detectors for a week. That was after the recent bomb scare right June 2009 if I'm not mistaken. There were a whole lot of flaws in the checking system. Sure they get to check everyone's belongings but were they sure they gave everyone their right belongings. I mean the bags kept going into the X-Ray machine but was piling up fast at the end of it. People were crowded grabbing their bags. I wonder if everybody got their own bags that time. Another thing was it was only Monumento Station that got that treatment. All the other stations got the usual security checks. In short, pointless. Unless it was a study.

My trip back to Manila from Cagayan. Tropical Storm 'Kiko' brought in heavy rains that resulted in landslides and floods. My trip back from Cagayan was the longest. I had to look for alternate routes home because I didn't have the budget for extending my stay. There were flooded roads, muddy roads, and the landslides created the longest traffic jam I have ever seen. I left for Manila on a Friday morning and got there on a Saturday night. So that's how being stranded feels like.

The First Metro Comic Con. Comparing it to the already established Toy Con, well, it's hands down Toy Con. But hey it's the first one so you have to give it some credit. As the name suggests there are a whole lot of comics; from Marvel to DC, local to foreign, incorporated to indie, usual comic book to manga. There are also comic book-related toys and other articles. There was also a cosplay event but I didn't see it anymore. Everything I saw was calling out to me, "Buy me." I had to get out of there or my budget would suffer. Any longer and I would have spent too much. I did get myself one comic book set.

G.I. Joe. Yes. The Real American Hero has a live action movie and it's quite good, too. The whole movie hints of a second one and maybe even a third. Now that another of the childhood favorite cartoons have a live action movie, I can't wait for another one. The Transformers. G.I. Joe. You know what I want to see next? MASK.

Basketball stars in my hotel. On the day that I leave Roxas City, PBA players checked in to the hotel I stayed in. From the looks of their shirts, they were from the teams Sta. Lucia and Pure Foods. I had no idea who they were because I'm not really a basketball fan. If I were, would have done some major picture shooting.

A(H1N1) Certified

2009-07-10T09:16:00.000+08:00

With my days in Quality Control, the word certified after an alphanumeric thingy means that something is following a standard: ISO22000:2005 certified, HACCP certified, Halal certified, and the like. It also means that something is safe and clean.

However, if someone is A(H1N1) certified, that is bad.

I think I'm A(H1N1) certified. At least I think so. I didn't bother taking the test. I didn't want to know the result.

Sunday. Night. Sore throat and a little cough.

Monday. The work load gave me a whole lot of sweat not to mention me walking under the sun. Sweaty. When I got on the train, the cabin was cold. After I got off the train, rain came. Sudden change in weather.

Tuesday. It's the last day of the quarter. I had to finish all my work load. Gotta work. Same thing; sun, rain. Night time. Fever galore. Colds and bad sneezing. Each sneeze gave me excruciating pain all over my body.

Wednesday. I took the day off because my body's aching bad. Running nose. A slight fever. It was a DVD marathon all day.

Thursday. Good thing it's a holiday. I still have the body aches, a wee bit of colds, and a wee bit of fever. Yes. DVD marathon.

Friday. I feel better. Still coughing off some phlegm. I know, eew!

Saturday. At long last. It's over. At least I think so.

Sunday. I can go outside and roam around town now. But not just yet. I still need to rest. It's like my body is used to the sleeping and lying down.

Monday. Back to work. A couple of my co-workers came to work all hyped up. After the day was done, both of them were sniffing and sneezing. Am I still carrying the potent virus? I wond

I may not be A(H1N1) certified but the symptoms says that I was… or by my co-workers' conditions, I am. Good for me, after the onslaught, I am now immune.

Slowest Fast Food Service... Ever

2009-07-03T10:39:00.000+08:00

Monday. I feel sick as hell since the night before but I need to finish my field work before the month ends. The sun and heat isn't very good for someone with headaches and a little fever. All the sweat didn't help either.

After checking one warehouse in the morning, I decided to take a lunch break before going to the next one. From Sta. Ana, I went to UN Avenue and had my lunch at Chow King at Masagana Superstore. I ordered Pork Chow Fan with toppings and large iced tea. I took my number and looked for someplace to sit. I found a place and waited. And waited. And waited. And waited.

More than ten minutes have passed. Longer than the usual waiting period. I could see that everyone else in the store was irritated with the very slow service. At last my Chow Fan came. But wait, the topping isn't there but I started eating because I was already hungry. Not to mention my iced tea wasn't served, yet. I had to eat slowly so as not to finish my rice before the toppings, and iced tea get to me.

I've already finished three quarters of my Chow Fan when my iced tea came but no toppings in sight. I've had slow service before but this was too much. I have finished my Chow Fan and half finished with my tea when the toppings came.

That was the slowest service I had ever had. It wasn't just me, the folks at the table beside mine was there before I came and they got their order after I had finished. I know it was lunch time and there were a lot of orders to fill plus Chow King isn't really a fast food chain but slow is still slow. This is supposed to be the time when they are fast.

Chowking UN Avenue at Masagana Superstore has the slowest service I have ever experienced.

Toycon 2009

2009-06-19T17:14:00.000+08:00

June 13 and 14, 2009. At long last I was able to attend another convention after almost two long years. It's all the financial crisis' fault.

There were almost 10000 attendees on the first day and a lot fewer on the second. I should say. There was a killer line to the ticket booth on the first day that lasted until after lunch. The two mega trade halls were packed. There were a lot fewer cosplayers this time around compared to the previous conventions.

Anyway, here are a few of the pictures that I have taken of the event. I wish I had a better camera.

From Bubblegum Crisis, I pressume.

Nice... Hell yeah.

Con-Ass

2009-06-13T19:06:00.000+08:00

Constituent Assembly is one way to 'change' the constitution. Change is essentially good. However, in this case (Now, here in the Philippines 2009), there is somewhat a controversy. This is because all those in favor of the Con-Ass are allies of the current president of the Philippines. I don't have to mention that the current president isn't the best president. She's not very popular when it comes to accomplishments. The tyrant had more accomplishments way before he became the dictator.

How disappointing that Congress is pushing thru with the assembly. Even undermining the Senate. They (Congress) were voted to represent the people of their locality or the group they represent. But I don't think the people are well represented. I'm sure only a handful of people are represented by them. This is evident to the sheer number of people that are against their decision.

Now down to my own view of this Con-Ass. First, let's break down the term. 'Con' in Spanish meaning 'with.' And 'Ass' is self explanatory. Together, with ass. And with ass, there's crap. A big load of steamy crap. Actually, this is what I first thought of, the first time I heard the term.

There's a lot of things I would like to write down but unfortunately they are just too personal to write and show in public. I can't make a point if I didn't include names but I am avoiding direct finger pointing due to some… reasons.

Anyway, this is just a gist of what I think of this big load of crap.

How Not to Write a Love Letter

2009-05-15T13:16:00.000+08:00

I was browsing a few old compositions and I saw something that I'd like to share to my readers (if there are any out there). Just a few tips on how NOT to write a love letter. How to write one? I have no idea. All of the examples sited are actual excerpts from actual love letters. The grammatical errors alone make them worth reading.

First. It is important to use a different sheet of paper before writing it on your very precious stationery. You wouldn't want to make any erasures on your scented stationery. Second. Make sure to check your spelling. That's what dictionaries are for. For the grammar, you better consult your grammar books for that. Third. Don't give out-of-season greetings; Merry Christmas when it's still August, or Happy Valentines Day in December. Not even when you insert the word 'advanced.'

Here are some line that you might want to avoid writing:

"I know your be surprise upon receiving this"

It has bad grammar written all over it. I'm not saying how it suppose to be written. That's what grammar books are for.

"I know your astonish upon receiving this message letter of mine."

What in the world is a 'message letter?' I did get what he's trying to say but this is too much. Keep it simple.

"When I first see you I know that your attitude is good and most especially respecting to each other."

Uh... I don't know what he's trying to say.

For these lines: "But please don't be angry.", "But again I thought of you getting angry for you might misinterpret my intentions.", "I'm very ready to accept everything, everything that you'll slap my face."

Angry? I don't think the receiver would be angry. Happy perhaps. Laughing is more like it.

"Now: I need you. Someday: I meet you. Because: I love you.", "Love is forever if no one can breaker."

You have got to be kidding me. First, corny. Second, this isn't one of your slum notes.

"From the lowest to the highest common denominator of my heart. I have a survey from east to west, north to south an I found out that your structural design in connection with your body is the most magnificent or the most significant in engineering technology."

That sounded like a cross between engineering and pornography if you ask me.

Maybe a few of these lines would show your humorous side. I mean most women like men with a good sense of humor. But don't overdo it. If you do, your just showing your unintelligent side.

WTF Stop Over Resto

2009-05-11T16:29:00.000+08:00

I went to Bataan one day for my usual trips. I had to take cutting trips to get to my destination because there was no bus going directly to where I was going. First bus I took was from Cubao to Lubao, Pampanga. The next one was from Lubao, Pampanga to Pilar, Bataan but, that's not the main concern here. My topic is all about the stop over restaurant at Lubao. More specifically, the stop over restaurant used by Genesis bus lines.

Anyway. When the bus arrived at the stop over, I got off and went to the restaurant to get myself something to eat. I was looking at the menu posted over the counter and picked an order. I asked the cashier which among the breakfast items was available. To my dismay, she said, "Wala na po yan. Wala na po lahat niyan. (We don't have those anymore. We don't have any of those.)" WTF! Are they serious? If they don't have anything posted up on the menu, why don't they take it down? They even have tables. What are those for if they don't sell foods served on a plate?

Frustrated, I bought myself a bottle of iced tea and some crackers. And, of course, I used their one of their tables. I sat there until the bus I needed came. When it came, I scattered some cracker crumbs on the table and left. As bad as it may seem, I left it in a mess.

From now on, I'm not riding on a Genesis bus line when going to Bataan just because they use this particular restaurant.

The Wonderful World of Piracy

2009-04-18T08:36:00.000+08:00

The first time I saw the official trailer to the movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine was on YouTube. Great. Another Marvel super-hero movie. What got me excited was at long last, Gambit would be having some airtime, or reel time. The trailer said that the movie would be shown on the 1st of May. That's still a long way away and that would be in the U.S. It would take a few weeks more before it gets shown here in the Philippines.

A few weeks pass and I see pirated copies of the Wolverine movie at the nearby shopping arcade. I didn't take it much notice because I wanted to see it on the big screen even though I know that I would probably miss it anyway. I looked at the DVDs and the seller said, "Malinaw na yan (That's already clear)." Did he say a clear copy? How could that be? It's a new movie. The best they could get would be scenes recorded in a movie theatre somewhere. Shot with a steady hand, it could pass for something watchable.

A friend of mine said he had procured a copy of the pirated movie and told me it was clear as a DVD. How could it be? It was way too early to get such a copy. And then it hit me. The first of May is still a whole month away. It was possible that the pirated copy is an unfinished movie. My curiosity got to me and I borrowed my friend's copy. And I was right. It was an unfinished movie. The CGI wasn't finished. There were some shots taken in a studio by a blank screen. The timers are still on screen. The wires holding the actors weren't even edited out, yet.

I remember a couple of movies that had this kind of early release back in the day. They were Water World and Men In Black. I remember Water World came out early on VHS. The story wasn't really good because the editing wasn't finished yet. The scenes weren't where they were suppose to be at. No continuity. In the case of Men in Black, there were pencil sketches in the movie. The story board was shot and dubbed.

Many patronize the pirated movies simply because they're way cheaper than the originals and they come out earlier than usual. But an unfinished movie is not worth anything, pirated or original. But then again, the unfinished ones usually end up in the special features in your DVD.

My Top 10 Unwanted Filipino Traits Pt.2

2009-04-18T08:30:00.001+08:00

I gave you the first half, now here's the top five.

5. Envious crab. Envy and crab mentality altogether.

I don't know why they call it crab mentality. Crabs in a basket don't really pull down one another trying to get out of the basket. Anyway. Many Filipinos hold dear their social status. If some other person betters one person, one must pull the other down and will do so by any means necessary. One might even make up stories if need be. It's a dog eat dog world.

4. Nepotism.

Yes, nepotism is the term used when you favor a family member over a non-family member. But this doesn't only apply to family members. It could also extend to close friends. This happens everywhere in the Philippines. 'There's an opening for VP. I'll appoint my nephew. I know that someone else is more deserving but what will my sister say if I don't give the position to his son.' Sounds familiar, right?

3. Plastikan.

I can't seem to think of another term for this trait. Maybe because it's very Filipino. I guess it is important for us to mingle and show our best side to many people. It is. But sometimes it just goes too far to the extent of really bad acting. If you don't like someone, be it. Show it. But don't let it get in the way of your professional life. Let it stay personal. Or better yet, don't mingle too much. I guess this is one trait that's called a necessary evil.

2. See only evil.

Perhaps only very few people have this trait. Perhaps many. It doesn't matter how many, this trait is a downer and pisses many people off. Sorry folks, but reverse psychology doesn't work on everyone. It's just bad that there are those who see only the bad things about someone. A person makes a mistake, the mistake is highlighted. One blunder and he's branded for life. But if that person does something good, not even a 'good job' or a 'thank you.' That's why many people would rather do mediocre things or less. No recognition, no good job.

1. We complain a lot. The EDSA complex.

Now why did I say this? We may not notice it but, we do. It may be because of a good reason or otherwise but it really annoys me to see mobs marching at EDSA just to get what they want. We don't want our elected president. Get him impeached! We don't like a certain company's policy. Picket! Gas prices are high. Transportation Strike! We don't like the way a person dresses. Take his picture, put it in the blog, and say it sucks! No more mutants!!

Those are the traits that we have that I don't like. Of course, not every Filipino has those. I'm only speaking in general terms because most of us have these traits. I hope the we get rid of these traits or at least lessen them to a tolerable level.

My Top 10 Unwanted Filipino Traits Pt. 1

2009-04-12T18:24:00.000+08:00

We, Filipinos, are known for our hospitality, our being industrious, and our do-what-we-must attitude. But we do have a few traits that make me not like being a Filipino.

10. Last minute everything.

We like doing things the last minute. This is from packing our luggage to doing our research paper to booking flights to doing homework. The list goes on. I don't know why we do this. And to top it off, we even ask for extensions. Geez!

9. Invite thyself. In other words, gate crashing.

It maybe because of us being so hospitable that some would actually abuse the hospitality. It is very common for us to be invited to Fiestas. But Fiestas are a different story because their more of a 'public' occasion. Let's see a more private occasion such as a birthday or a wedding. We Filipinos tend to invite ourselves just because we know the celebrant. And to add damage, we, the not-invited, tend to invite someone else to the occasion. Could we not wait to be invited? We should be ashamed of ourselves.

8. Hospitality to the maximum.

Yes, we are hospitable but we do have limits. And please put limits! In relation to gate crashing, Fiesta. Why do many Filipinos do so much for people they don't know. I mean, they take loans, borrow money from loan sharks, sell their belongings just to have a big feast at their homes during a Fiesta serving someone they don't even know. Excessive spending just to be hospitable. Ever wonder why we're so poor.

7. We think we're the center of the universe.

We would like, as much as possible, that our wants (Yes. That's right. Wants, not Needs.) be given. Everyone must conform to what we want. And I'm speaking in international terms here, not just local. Say an OFW is charged with something. We plead to the country concerned to please free the accused OFW. "Please be merciful." But if a foreigner does something bad to us it's an entirely different story. "Burn him at the stakes! Show no mercy!" Bah! Please people. This is just sickening.

6. Finger pointing.

Do I need to elaborate on this one. This happens everyday. All of us Filipinos know about this. I think most of our laws are based on this premise: Someone must always take the blame even if it's an accident. Maybe because investigating procedures here in the Philippines are just so bad that someone must automatically take the blame. Let's see. A collision of a huge truck and a motorcycle. Motorcycle rider dies, it's the fault of the truck driver. Plausible. But if by some freak of nature that the rider survives and the truck driver dies, it's the fault of the rider. Trust me, that's how it will be. I guess the law states that, I a collision of vehicles, it is always the fault of the survivor even though the survivor is a passenger. This 'sacrificial lamb' concept blows.

To be continued...

Packing Light Pt. 4

2009-04-08T09:54:00.000+08:00

Now that we're done with the airport, let's get to the seaport or pier.

Not many people can afford the flying so the opt to go sailing, or boating, or whatever you call it. It takes a longer time to get to where you're going but it's a lot cheaper and the view would be great. I, myself haven't been on a ship, just a fast craft. Those things get you to the next island in just an hour or so. They go at around 60 knots. Pretty fast for sightseeing. All you can do is peek out the window while seawater splashes all over the sills.

The restricted items on the cabin of the plane are pretty much the same for the sea crafts. The difference is if the item is banned, it's banned. They get confiscated and will not be returned. Unlike on the plane unless it's a total ban on the item, you can put it in you check in luggage instead.

The restricted items are:

- Sharp objects such as knives other bladed instruments. These things are not allowed on the boat. However, instruments used in trade like saws are not confiscated outright. They are taken for safekeeping and will be returned upon arrival to the port of destination.
- Matches and lighters and other ignitable objects. This includes explosives, firearms and munitions.

With my experience, however, confiscation of these items at the port are only strictly enforced during the Holy Week. With the exception of the firearms and munitions and explosives, the other items are not confiscated.

Safety reminders. Same as the plane. Just follow instructions. If you think the vessel is overloaded, report it to the authorities. This may delay your trip but it'll assure your safety. Choose; leave late but assured that you'll get there safe or leave early but unsure if you'll even make it halfway.

Packing Light Pt. 3

2009-04-08T09:51:00.000+08:00

For those who frequent the skies or for those who are first-timers or those who are planning to fly, here are some, shall I call them, tips. Since we're in the topic of packing light, I'll be limiting things to hand-carry luggage that you can bring inside the cabin.

Hand-carry luggage for most, if not all, airlines are limited to 7 kilograms per person. In other words, limit your luggage to just 7 kilograms including the weight of your bag if you don't want it checked-in. I personally don't want to check in my luggage especially if I have delicate electronics inside. I don't trust the airport personnel in handling cargo.

I once looked out the window of the plane while they were putting in cargo. They were just tossing the cargo like they were stacks of hay. Some of them even had the 'fragile' sticker on them. One even had a 'this side up' sticker and the arrow was pointing down. Seriously. Bad handling. So if I were you, limit your luggage. If you can't avoid it, make sure that whatever luggage that you'll be checking in would contain only or mostly clothes. Clothes don't break even if you toss them around.

Some items are not allowed inside the cabin and would opt you to check in your luggage even if you're below the 7-kg limit. Some of these items are as follows:

- Adhesive tape, packaging tape, duct tape. Why would you bring these things in the cabin in the first place?
- Liquids such as alcohol, colognes, perfumes, etc. You can bring these things in the cabin but in limited quantities. Make sure that the total volume of these things do not exceed 100 ml or you'll just have to check your luggage in.
- Sharp objects such as knives and the like. Obviously, for security reasons.
- Aerosols. You're canned beauty products like hair spray or body spray. Most of them exceed the 100 ml limit for liquids. And some of them are explosive.
- And with explosives in mind, lighters, matches and other flammable items are not allowed. I don't need to mention firearms and munitions.

Those are just some of the items that are not allowed in the cabin. You'll see a complete list of those at the airport. If by some reason you forgot to put those items in your check-in luggage, they'll get confiscated.

Now, while inside the airplane, please follow instructions. I've been flying for quite some time now and the story's always the same. People just don't know how to follow simple instructions and that irritates me. The flight attendant says not to turn on your cell phone until you enter the terminal building but you'll hear beeping message alerts while the plane is taxing. No standing until the fasten seatbelt sign is switched off but people stand up anyway. This is for your own safety, people. Just because the plane has landed doesn't mean you're safe. One of the worst accidents in aviation history happened on the ground when two planes collided. Think about it and have a nice flight.

Packing Light Pt. 2

2009-04-07T16:00:00.000+08:00

I have given you tips in packing clothes. Now, lets pack your other things while still being light.

In the first part, with just one week out of town, you would barely fill out a medium-sized back pack. That leaves room for other stuff. You may want to put some other extra clothes like spare shirts and stuff.

To save space in packing your clothing, it is better to roll them instead of folding them. Rolling saves more space and it doesn't wrinkle your clothes to much.

Packing toiletries is not a very difficult task. Bring only those that you need. The hotel or resort your going to would provide your needed toiletries for free or for a certain amount. But if need be (for the brand specific types), use travel sized, re-sealable, plastic bottles. Or better yet, buy shampoos, lotions and other toiletries in sachets or packs. Put all of your toiletries in a re-sealable plastic zip bag before placing them in your bag. This is in case spillage would occur.

Your must-have toiletries are:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Bath soap
- Sun block

Your extras would be:
- Deodorant
- Cologne
- Perfume
- Body spray
- Hair gel
- Anything that makes you small good and look good are not really must-haves.

Now for the gadgets. This is why some of us are packing light on the clothes so that we can bring our gadgets. If you are traveling as a group, it is better if one person brings one gadget for everyone. If you're solo or just a pair, then bring only those you absolutely need.

Your must-have gadgets are:
- Cell phone and charger (one is enough for those who have two or more)
- Camera (for those moments, it doesn't have to be digital)
- Batteries (you can't use those gadgets if you don't have these)
- Film (in case you're not using a digital camera)

Your extras would be:
- Laptop (working on vacation or on time picture editing?)
- Camcorder (not everyone can afford one, your cell phone camera or digital camera would have to do)
- Portable gaming consoles
- Portable music players
- Anything that you can only use when you're not touring and such is not a must-have.

Packing Light Pt. 1

2009-04-07T15:56:00.000+08:00

It's summer once again and many will be going out of town and going to the beach other resorts. If your a light packer like I am, here are some tips on how to determine how much clothing you're going to bring. This is assuming, of course, that you'll be staying in a hotel on your own. If you have someone else in the room, I hope they don't mind you walking around in your underwear. With that in mind, these tips would most likely apply to the men but I'll try my best to give variations or adjustments for the women.

For shirts, it is always better to choose those with light colors and light fabrics. Light fabrics take less space. That goes for everything.

Number of Shirts:
For Men: Number of days out of town (includes travel days)
For Women: Number of days out of town (includes travel days) + 2

Number of pairs of underwear:
For Men: Number of days out of town (ditto)
For Women: Number of days out of town (ditto) x 2

Number of pairs of pants:
For Men: Number of weeks out of town (truncated, so 1.5 is 1, and 2.2 is 2)
For Women: Number of weeks out of town (rounded to the next, so 1.5 is 2, and 2.2 is 3) x 2

In case you'll go swimming (which is likely), Number of swimwear:
For Men: Number of days out of town - 1
For Women: (Number of days out of town - 1) x 1.5 (rounded to the next)

Number of Face towels or handkerchiefs (the big bandana ones):
For Men and Women: Number of days out of town (if possible x 2)

Number of bath towels (if the hotel does not provide one or if you prefer to use your own)
For Men and Women: 1 (it doesn't matter how long it takes you, towels are bulky)

Take note that the number of clothes above only covers those that you will wear when you go outside your room. Like I said, if you and your roommate don't mind walking around in your underwear. You may use pants that can be converted into short pants, the ones with the detachable leg parts, in case you'd like to go strolling in shorts. Also, you may want to use sandals instead of shoes. So you could avoid bringing a pair of shoes and a pair of flip flops. The trick here is to use two-for-one or all-in-one things in order to travel light.

Filipina Fashion

2008-12-16T10:55:00.000+08:00

It's interesting how the Filipina tends to have a 'uniform' every now and then. From the classic Baro't Saya to today's green pants and white top that looks a little bit like the one on the left.

Almost every Filipina (I said almost every, I didn't say all) wears that outfit, clothing combination, or whatever you might call it, may she be a child, teen, young adult, adult, old, really old, stout, skinny, sexy... It must be the Emo clothing influence. The tight fitting pants and the green is kind of the hints. Of course there are other variations to thins get-up. Green pants are sometimes taken place by blue or pink but with the same fit.

I wonder what 'uniform' the Filipina would be having in the next few years.

Quantum of Solace

2008-11-09T18:33:00.000+08:00

I beleive it's the 22nd installment of the Jame Bond fanchise. Daniel Craig's "version" of Jame Bond is, for me, maybe the best one in years. This and the previous Bond movie is more story-driven; the intrigue and the mystery. I like it. Pierce's "version" was more on the technology and the action, and it had the motto, "good vehicle chases, good movie."

Some of the more action-oriented people of the masses might not like this James Bond movie. I'd recommed you watch the older Bond movies than this one. Otherwise, see this movie. You'll like it. I did.

Eagle Eye

2008-10-18T16:18:00.000+08:00

At first, i thought, "Man. This terrorist group sure is organized. How in the world could they do something like this? Unless it's the government." Well, I was wrong. It was a freakin' computer. No wonder the execution was so well organized. Sugoi. And the killings, too.

The movie is fast and action-packed with a few twists and turns every now and then. Enough spoilers.

Shia LaBeouf is really getting the good roles lately.

I'd recommend this movie to everyone. Well, maybe not to the critics.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

2008-08-28T18:02:00.000+08:00

I saw this movie on my way from Tuguegarao. That's right; on a bus. It's not the best of effects considering the copy's pirated. However, I was more after the movie's story.

Rick O'Connel and wife, and son... Yup. The boy who 'released' the Scorpion King also unearthed the Dragon Emperor. Spoiler. But then again, most of you may have seen it already. With almost two hours of running time, the story went from China, to the Himalayas and back to China. There was a lot of undead fighting... Zombies. Well, not really. More of Mummies. But not really. More of clay and bones.

As far as I was concerned, and as Comic Book Guy would say, "Worst Mummy movie ever."

Conclusion of Dune

2008-07-28T15:58:00.000+08:00

At long last the story ends... that's one hell of a long story. I remember when I wrote, 'It's not a Dune Novel if Duncan Idaho isn't in it.' Or something like that. Of course that doesn't include those where he wasn't born, yet. Anyway. Duncan Idaho is the Final Kwisatz Haderach. I never would have thoght of that. Though ghola's of Paul and Leto II were there, they weren't the Final ones.

It was pretty exciting for me, at least. There were the gholas of the prominent characters; of course, Duncan Idaho, Miles Teg (more of a clone), The Tyrant Leto II, Lady Jessica, Alia, Liet-Kynes and Stilgar, Chani, Two Paul Atreidieses (one is more of a clone), Barron Harkonnen, Doctor Yueh, Tufir Hawat, and the almost completed gholas of Gurney Halleck, Serena Butler and Xavier Harkonnen. There was also the creation of the Seaworms, which produces more potent spice known as ultraspice.

It didn't really end with a big bang. It's more of a.. how should I say it?... A "mental / intellectual" ending. Read it for yourself.

That brings the story 15000 Standard Years in length... at least. With 15 books... at least. With the coming of the Heroes of Dune trilogy, that would be 18 Dune novels. And there might be more to come. The good thing is we already know how everything started and ended. At least as far as the Final Kwisatz Haderach.

Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

A Lot of Movies Over the Weekend

2008-07-21T17:38:00.000+08:00

So it's been a while since I saw a movie. What did I do? I watched a lot of 'em through the weekend. Actually, five of them.

Let's start with Wanted.

This stars James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, and Morgan Freeman. Neat-o cast so far. The plot: A freternity of assassins who keeps the balance. They get the names of their targets through binary code hidden in fabrics. Interesting. James is the newbie. Angelina is the veteran. Morgan is the boss. There are tiwsts and turns in the movie and the narration is quite ammusing. "What have you been doing, loser?"

Neat tricks with the curving bullet. Some might not like the ending just because the assassins die at the end. That includes Jolie but not the main guy, McAvoy. Yes, Freeman dies, too. Spoiler.

Next up would be the comedy movie, You Don't Mess With the Zohan.

This is one of Adam Sandler's happy-go-lucky movies. He just usually goes with what he has and never really thinks of what might come out of it.

This stars his usual cast of characters. Yes, Rob Schneider is here. He always is in every Sandler movie.

The plot: The best Israeli counter-terrorist has a dream of becoming a hair dresser. And his arch-enemy, Phantom, the Palestinian terrorist, played by John Turturro, has a dream of becoming a shoe salesman. Quite unique.

Overall, it's a funny movie. But I'd only watch it once.

Next is the attempt to put into shame the super-hero genre. Well, not real shame, but to give a human side to it. Hancock. As far as I'm concerned, giving a human side to super-heroes was done in Spider-Man.

This stars Will Smith as the super-hero, Hancock. Not his real name.

The plot: He's not really the most responsible super-hero. He does more damage than good. And he doesn't give a f*** what people think. Yeah.

However great the plot is, it fell short in the story-telling department. The story went from A to B in the blink of an eye. Not much there.

Next is Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth. Well, not exactly Verne's version. This is modern and the people in the movie, all three of them refers to the book. The book is more of their map.

Brendan Fraser is starting to become a houshold name when it comes to adventure movies. With the string of The Mummy moveis and this one, he's like a modern Harrison Ford.

The effects were so-so and the story quite fast. Well, there were really just three of them for the most part of the movie. It got a little bit boring as it went on with just the journey in and out of the Earth.

Finally, The Increadible Hulk.

Interestingly, this movie follows the movie, Hulk. However, it does not exactly pick-up where the last movie left off. Hey. It may be a stand-alone move altogether even without the previous one. Heck, the entire cast is even new. No Erick Bana, no Jennifer Connelly, and no Sam Elliot. Now there's Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, and William Hurt.

Comparing with the previous movie in terms of story, this one's a tad bit better. The effects, this is newer so this is better. Story's still fast like the last one. Overall, they're both pretty much the same.

I like the clincher at the end though. Tony Stark, Iron-Man, with Ross. Does this hint a team-up to capture the Hulk or does it hint the formation of the Avengers? We'll know in time.

There you go. Five movies over the weekend. . . That's quite a lot.

Juken Sentai Gekiranger Vs. Power Rangers Jungle Fury Part 2

2008-07-18T13:14:00.000+08:00

Wow. . . A whole month without an entry. Almost two months if I didn't put this one up. Just busy, I guess.

I may have have said 'kudos' to PR Jungle Fury on its first few episodes, giving the US version a wee bit of original touches. Everything would have been nice until I saw the episode where they turn into Jungle Fury version of Super Gekiranger. Seriously. You'll get yourself a Super Geki-Claw when you battle your inner fears. It would have been a lot better if the Masters would have given them the Claws.

Next up. The arrival of the Wolf and Rhino Rangers. The wolf's entry was better than the rhino's. I guess the Power Ranger franchise still can't get enough of its "copying". Neil Patrick Harris look-a-like, Rhino Ranger, did the same trick Ken (Geki Chopper) did in Gekirangers, an orange blade from his fingers.

Some say that Power Rangers are better than Super Sentai maybe bacause it's the second time around and some bumps are buffed. I beg to differ. Or maybe because a lot more people understand English than Japanese. This makes more sense. I've said it before and I'll say it again. One thing's for sure. There would be no Power Rangers without Super Sentai.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2008-05-29T12:32:00.001+08:00

After a very long time, another Indiana Jones film has come. Everyone thought that the Last Cruisade would be the last one. Well, here's the fourth.

This fourth installment of the series is more of a combination of quite a few legends, old and urban. Let's see; El Dorado, Area 51, Ancient civilizations (which is always the case)... You get the picture. The Nazis are no longer the antagonists considering that WWII is over. Now, the cold war. Vis a vis, Russians with their research on the paranormal as weapons (like the Nazis).

Ford still stars as Indiana Jones. It wouldn't be the same if it's not him. Shia LaBeouf, the Transformers lead man, also stars as Indiana's son. Yup, that's right, son. Kate Blanchett stars as the villainess.

The CGI of the movie is a wee bit overdone. I mean they could have at least made it look more "realistic" rather than CGI-looking. You know what I mean. But the puching sound effects sound like the old Indie films. Overall, the fans would love this new installment but I guess the geeks might not really like it. I mean they are so critical that they point out each and every detail that is out of place.

We'll see if there would be a fifth. Enjoy.

Oh my Tortillos

2008-05-16T10:03:00.000+08:00

This entry is not really a review but more of a commentary. But then again, it is entitled Canned Thoughts so here are some of my thoughts.

Lately, URC has purchased the Granny Goose brand. That includes my favorite snack ever, Tortillos. Hey, I am a URC employee but I've been a Tortillos fan ever since I was a kid. There's no way I'm replacing that with a mediocre, Taquitos.

Now that Tortillos is owned by URC, what will happen to it? Will it get bad. I don't know. I sure hope not. If Tortillos does bad and would eventually taste as bad as Taquitos, then I'm sorry. I'm still not switching to Taquitos. I guess It's time for me to switch to potato chips. I heard Eaji Potato Chips are good.

Sorry URC, I may keep trade secrets but no way I'm patronizing mediocre snacks... I am for C2 though. That I like.

Iron Man

2008-05-15T14:42:00.000+08:00

Iron Man. The latest Marvel Super-Hero to grace the big screen. Next up would be The Incredible Hulk. I think the Hulk deviated a wee bit from the first movie, with a new cast and all. But enough about the Hulk, we're here for Iron Man.

If you don't know about Iron Man, try the search engines. They'll give you a lot about Iron Man as a topic. Anyway, the movie is not really about how Iron Man kicks butt (and he does) but how Tony Stark's eyes are opened to the reality of what he has done. Reaping what he sowed. It's more of a self-realization kind of thing. It doesn't have that inner dark-self that Spider-Man 3 had.

As for special and visual effects... Pretty nice. It has the Transformers kind of feel; The shine on the metal.

The movie was witty for the normal movie goer. I'd recommend you see it.

Dexter in the Dark

2008-05-14T17:47:00.000+08:00

I consider myself a fan of the Jeff Lindsay's Dexter series. It has a wonderful premise and it's witty.

In this third installment, Dexter kinda lost his "shadow"; the Dark Passenger. The Dark Passenger was scared out of its wits. Dexter lost his cool. He now felt emotions. He felt fear.

It was a little bit of a let down. Take note, I said a little bit. In addition to the first person perspective of Dexter, there were other perspectives in the novel. I think there were three; Dexter's, the Watcher, and the narrator, written in italics.

It also had a feel of the supernatural. It says that Dexter's Dark Passenger came from a supernatural entity and not psychological. Psychological would have been a lot better.

All in all, it was still entertaining.

PB Phils... see the pic

2008-05-13T14:18:00.000+08:00

What can I say? I bought myself a copy of the Philippine version of Playboy; May 2008 issue. I can't say much about it. It pretty much bored me. It came short on the visual department, not to mention the content department as well, the lay-out could do some more work, too. It wasn't worth the Php 199 I spent for it.

FHM is still the better one.

Don't get all excited with the magazine title. There's not much Playboy Philippines could offer that FHM already has. But then again, they're still in their second issue. There's still a long way to go. Maybe they'll live up to their title come a year.

Mythbusters

2008-05-13T12:42:00.000+08:00

The Mythbusters. A show on the Discovery channel that tests the validity of the stuff that's been going around. May it be a rumor, a belief, an urban legend, and other what nots.

This show stars Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, both special effects specialists.

I first saw an episode of this on one of my travels, in my hotelroom. Being that I don't have cable at home, I am only able to watch this during one of my trips. This one has become one of my favorite TV shows.

Give it a try and watch an episode. You might like it.

The Invasion

2008-05-12T16:06:00.000+08:00

The Invasion stars Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig.

I didn't see this on the big screen, just on DVD. A friend of mine told me that it got her scared. Scarier than I Am Legend. Well, I Am Legend was a wee bit disturbing but not all that scary. I watched The Invasion in the hopes that it is scarier than I Am Legend.

Anyway, the movie wasn't that scary. It was more of a combination of those biological-apocalyptic themed movies like I Am Legend, Resident Evil, 28 Days/Weeks Later, and the like. But its the melowed down version. It's more like the Bodysnatchers if you asked me.

All in all. The movie's not that bad. It's pretty much ok to pass the time when you have nothing else to do on a weekend and a little bit on the lazy side.

CPDRC do Haruhi Suzumiya Dance... OMG!

2008-04-28T13:52:00.000+08:00

Do you guys remember the "Thriller" dance done by the inmates of CPDRC? Yes, that ever famous video. They did a whole lot of dance numbers after that. They also became world famous. Not to mention, a following. Other prisons seem to have followed in their footsteps. Not just prisons, you have the police academy doing dance routines as well.

I heard they are now a tourist attraction. Good going.

Now, have you seen or hear of the Hare Hare Yukai? Hmm... The Haruhi Suzumiya Dance. At the end of Haruhi Suzumiya, they do a dance. It's been very famous lately. Especially in the anime and cosplay community.

Now, you guessed it. Unexpected as it may seem, the CPDRC inmates did their own rendition of the Hare Hare Yukai:

I was surprised myself...

I wonder what they would do next...

[N.B. Embeded video may not play or may not work on office computers. Hehehe]

Hard Gay

2008-04-28T13:29:00.000+08:00

Razor Ramon Sumitani. Also known as Hard Gay.

This guy is sooo damn funny.

Hard Gay is Masaki Sumitani, a wrestler and a comedian. He's real name (geez, another identity) is actually Heitor Shigeru. You can read more about him at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_Gay.

Anyway. I first heard of Hard Gay at the Hataw Hanep Hero of 2007. Yup, there was a cosplayer in Hard Gay costume and he was pretty famous. Then I saw him again at the Ozine Fest of 2008. So that got me curious on who Hard Gay really is.

Again I say. He's sooo damn funny.

Here's the first video of him that I saw...

He's just funny. HOOOOOO!

<N.B. Some of you may not be able to view the embeded video from YouTube. And by that I mean you people in their offices. Hehehe.>

The Forbidden Kingdom

2008-04-22T10:53:00.000+08:00

The Forbidden Kingdom... The first time Jackie Chan and Jet Li come together in a movie.

How should I start? As far as I'm concerned, I have been waiting for this movie. I mean this is huge; Jackie Chan and Jet Li. But I can't say much about the story. It was very simple and straightforward. Hey, they were probably after the masses. There were a little surprises though... Some wee bit predictable surprises. But surprises and twists aren't the reason why I watch Jackie Chan movies. I watch them because of the action, the funny moments, and the use-the-environment fighting style.

As modern times come and give us great technology, the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" kind of movies get better and better.

Anyway, the story is about the Monkey King. Yup, that's right. Son Goku. For those of you who don't know. Son Goku is the Monkey King.

Those who are fans of either Jackie Chan or Jet Li or both, you might want to see this movie. It's good. For those who are looking for movies that make the mind work, this isn't the movie for you.

Juken Sentai Gekiranger VS Power Rangers Jungle Fury

2008-04-12T11:49:00.000+08:00

As many of us already know, The Power Rangers' version comes right after the Super Sentai version. This year's Power Ranger title, Jungle Fury, is from the Super Sentai series, Juken Sentai Gekiranger.

I consider Gekiranger to be one of my favorites, another would be Gosei Sentai Dairanger. Both almost have the same team. Almost. Both are based on martial arts techniques. And take note on both Sentai's roll call. Sugoi.

Tonikaku. I'm not much of a Power Ranger watcher but I do watch key episodes; the special ones. It's the first time I've seen major differences between the Super Sentai and Power Ranger versions:

First, different morphers. The Gekirangers use the Gekichangers, placed on their hands. They look like knuckle weapons when they make a fist. Maybe that's why they are The Beast Fist Taskforce. However, the Jungle Fury Rangers use Solar Morphers, morphers in the form of sunglasses. Second: The roll call. So far the Power Rangers' roll call are quite short and lack the 'flashyness' of its Super Sentai counterpart.

I have to give credit to the Power Rangers Jungle Fury for making an effort in changing some points in the series. It's like the original Power Rangers of long ago. But, I'm still putting my hats out to the Super Sentai. Without them, there would be no Power Rangers.