Sickening Shoal

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.

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* 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

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

"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

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

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

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

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. (On the picture is the stamp on my left arm.)

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

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?"