Another Movie Review

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).